Criticism is often presented as a noble act, a tool for holding people accountable or exposing wrongs. But in reality, much of what passes for criticism is soaked in envy, bitterness, and hypocrisy.
People criticize others not because they stand on higher moral ground, but because they secretly wish they were in the same position, enjoying the same power, influence, or wealth. Powerless to achieve it themselves, they resort to tearing others down.
Before you compete with someone already miles ahead of you, take a moment to reflect on the years of sacrifice, labor, and endurance that built their journey. Age, experience, and persistence matter. Recognizing this fosters patience and contentment, rather than hostility. But sadly, many choose envy over effort.
Hypocrisy has become a cultural currency in Africa. Consider the discourse on undocumented immigrants in America. Africans cheer Donald Trump when he clamps down on illegal immigrants, ridiculing their own brothers and sisters who are caught. Comment sections overflow with mockery: “Go back home and help your country.” Yet if these same critics had the slightest chance, they too would jump at the opportunity to cross the same borders, legally or otherwise. Their condemnation is not patriotism; it is envy dressed in sanctimony.
This hypocrisy doesn’t end with ordinary citizens; it thrives at the highest levels of leadership. Take the case of Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the FCT. After Omoyele Sowore’s revelations about alleged financial improprieties and questionable deals, what has followed? Silence, excuses, and a shield of immunity provided by the political system. Nigerians who claim to hate corruption often applaud Wike’s bravado, his theatrics, and his populist soundbites yet look the other way when evidence of mismanagement is presented. The same voices that rage against “corrupt politicians” suddenly develop selective amnesia when it concerns a figure they admire or one who serves their ethnic or partisan interests.
This double standard is not unique to Wike. Across Africa, we have a pattern, we scream about corruption, yet celebrate the corrupt when they sponsor our festivals, share crumbs at rallies, or build white-elephant projects for photo-ops. We shout against nepotism, yet lobby for our cousins, brothers, and church members to be given government jobs. We accuse leaders of looting, yet pray for a chance to “eat our own share” when our turn comes.
Our criticism is too often situational, never principled. It is not about justice, but about resentment that we are not the ones benefiting. And that is why nothing changes. A society that condemns corruption on Twitter but normalizes it in real life cannot progress. A people that mocks illegal immigrants but secretly longs to escape cannot truly claim patriotism.
What Africa needs is a culture of honesty and accountability that begins with self. Instead of bitter criticism born from envy, we must learn to honor patience, labor, and merit. Instead of shielding our leaders from scrutiny because of tribe or party loyalty, we must demand true accountability from all. Until then, our hypocrisy will remain our greatest enemy far worse than any corrupt leader or failed system.
