Former presidential aide, Laolu Akande has emphasized the importance of engaging in meaningful discourse on social media, rather than resorting to insults and personal attacks.
His statement came in response to social critic Aisha Yesufu’s comments about former President Goodluck Jonathan’s recent visit to Aso Villa to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akande, who has experience both in government and as a journalist cum public commentator, believes that “speaking truth to power” is crucial for a healthy democracy. However, he emphasized that the use of insults weakens the impact of critical messages.
In his tweet, Akande encouraged Aisha Yesufu and others to focus on serious discussions that can drive positive change, as there are pressing issues that demand attention. His stance garnered support from fellow social media users.
His tweet reads, “Dear @AishaYesufu speaking truth to power is key for healthy democracy. Having been on both sides, i know accountability is vital, but insults only weaken our critical messages. Let’s engage in serious discourse that fosters change because there are more serious issues to sort.”
In an earlier post on X, Aisha Yesufu criticized former President Goodluck Jonathan for his remarks on moving forward following the Supreme Court’s confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s electoral victory.
Jonathan had expressed his commitment to working towards national progress, emphasizing the need to end post-election tension.
He said, “We talked a lot about the country. You will see more of me because there are certain things we discussed and the country must move forward,” he said
“Elections are over and we want to end that tension so we move forward,” Mr Jonathan added.
Yesufu, in response, asserted that Jonathan’s perspective seemed limited, likening it to a manifestation of the “law of the lid.”
She tweeted, :Jonathan still sees himself as that child without shoes. Perfect example of law of the lid playing out”.
Since Akande’s intervention on X, others have weighed in.
Adewunmi Collins commended Akande’s intellectual response, highlighting the importance of constructive dialogue in nation-building.
“This is an intellectual response. Aisha isn’t used to this kind of responses. She has always been a twitter troll with no recourse to common sense. Thank you Laolu Akande for this lecturing. We have a nation to build regardless of our political leanings.”
Musa Jacob emphasized the need to prioritize significant national issues over minor disputes.
“ One of our major problems in this country is that we ignore real issue for national progress instead we focus more on minor. In giving our views about issues we must not ignore our morals as a people no matter how frustrated we may be.”
Funmi Peter echoed the sentiment, stressing that criticism is valuable when expressed respectfully.
“Indeed there are more serious issues at stake instead of bickering, insults and ranting. As pointed out by Mr Akande. Criticism is good when it is well stated.”
Maxwell Jones emphasized that messages can be effectively conveyed without resorting to insults, applauding Akande for promoting constructive criticism.
“You can clearly pass your msg with out insulting as Mr Laolu Akande has pointed out. Constructive criticism devoid of abuse is very much allowed.”
In a time when social media can be polarized, Akande’s call for civil discourse serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing substantive issues rather than engaging in personal attacks, observers say.