The Uncommon Hypocrisy of The North
A recent tweet from the Arewa official Twitter account has ignited anger and accusations of hypocrisy among Nigerians. The tweet asserted that all Middle Belt states, such as Kwara, Nasarawa, and Kogi, Plateau, Abuja part of the North, but the response to the recent appointment of a Northerner has revealed a contrasting narrative.
When it comes to political advantage, the Arewa account readily asserts that Kwara and other Middle Belt states belong to the North. However, during political appointments, they suddenly create boundaries, labeling Kwara as Yoruba. This inconsistency has drawn attention, with many Twitter influencers and commentators criticizing the Arewa account for its hypocrisy.
The tweet has led to a vigorous discussion, with many questioning why the Arewa account identifies Kwara as part of the North when convenient, but classifies it as a Yoruba state when it suits their narrative. @NorthCentralWatch tweeted, “Kwara is this, Kwara is that,” emphasizing the inconsistency in the Arewa account’s claims.
The response on Twitter was quick and intense, with users denouncing the Arewa account’s double standards. “So, Kwara belongs to the North when it benefits you, but when it comes to appointments, it’s suddenly a Yoruba state?” remarked another user. “This is blatant hypocrisy.”
In light of the criticism, the Arewa account attempted to justify its position by stating that their aim was to foster unity and inclusivity. However, this explanation did not resonate, as critics pointed out the contradiction between their words and their actions.
This episode underscores a broader issue in Nigerian politics, where different regions and ethnic groups are often manipulated for political gain. The Arewa account’s contradictory stance is just one illustration of how identity politics is employed by politicians and influencers for their benefit.
The tweet from the Arewa account has highlighted the hypocrisy surrounding the North, where Middle Belt states are included for political leverage but separated during political appointments. The backlash on Twitter has been strong, with many calling out this double standard. As Nigeria continues to address its complex ethnic and regional dynamics, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for honesty, transparency, and consistency in political discourse.
