Hypocrisy Should Never Be Mistaken For Politics: The Goodwill Of The Orji Family As A Case Study – Otunba Chimag

Hypocrisy Should Never Be Mistaken For Politics: The Goodwill Of The Orji Family As A Case Study

By:

Otunba Chimag

No matter how politics evolves, we must learn to separate hypocrisy from politics and reality. Political interests will always change, alliances will be formed and broken, and politicians will naturally pursue platforms they believe best serve their ambitions or convictions.

There is nothing wrong with political realignment, because democracy thrives on freedom of association and choice. What is wrong, however, is attempting to rewrite history, deny yesterday’s realities, or portray former allies as permanent enemies simply because the political landscape has changed.

Politics should be built on principles, consistency, and accountability, not on selective memory or convenient narratives. The goodwill extended to individuals and groups over the years should never be erased merely because power has shifted from one political camp to another.

The history of Abia politics deserves honesty, and honesty demands that we acknowledge both the good and the bad without allowing today’s sentiments to distort yesterday’s realities.

The goodwill of the Orji family presents an interesting case study in this conversation. Their supporters argue that over the years, they provided political opportunities, protection, and support to many individuals who have since risen to prominence in Abia politics.

Whether one agrees with their political philosophy or not, it is difficult to ignore the relationships that existed and the political bridges that were built during those years.

Many of those who now publicly distance themselves from that era were once closely associated with it, benefited from it, or defended it when circumstances required. Political disagreement is legitimate, and every individual has the right to choose a different path.

However, disagreement should never become an excuse to deny history or pretend that past relationships and political realities never existed. Gratitude and honesty remain timeless virtues, even in the often turbulent world of politics.

It is also worth remembering that the same man who is Governor of Abia State today was, during his tenure as the Managing Director of Access Bank, publicly accused by some of the very individuals and supporters who now claim they have “left Egypt” of being a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) allegedly used to move Abia State funds. Those accusations formed part of the political discourse of the time. Yet, years later, many of the same voices have shifted their political positions without publicly presenting evidence to substantiate those allegations. This is not to determine whether those accusations were true or false, but to highlight how political narratives can change dramatically depending on who occupies power. Such shifts should encourage every observer to distinguish between political rhetoric and verifiable facts and to demand consistency from all political actors, regardless of party affiliation.

From 1999 to 2023, many politicians proudly identified with what they now dismiss as “Egypt.” They built their political careers, forged alliances, gained appointments, and expanded their influence within that same political environment.

Today, some speak as though they were never part of that history, hoping that the passage of time will erase the memories of the people. But history is stubborn. It cannot be rewritten by campaign slogans, social media trends, or emotionally charged political rhetoric. Every administration leaves behind achievements and shortcomings, and every political family has both supporters and critics.

The mature approach is to acknowledge that history in its entirety rather than selectively embracing only the parts that suit present political interests. That is why hypocrisy should never be mistaken for politics.

If there is suddenly something so wrong with the “Egypt” they once embraced, then perhaps the proper response is not to deny the past but to reflect upon it honestly. Self-examination is a virtue that transcends politics.

Rather than rewriting history or condemning former allies simply because political loyalties have changed, every political actor should search their conscience, acknowledge both successes and failures, and where necessary seek reconciliation. The Holy Bible provides timeless wisdom in 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says: “If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

The message is clear: healing begins with humility, repentance, truth, and a willingness to confront our own shortcomings before pointing fingers at others.*

As Abia continues its democratic journey, the people deserve a political culture rooted in truth rather than revisionism, gratitude rather than betrayal, and integrity rather than convenience. Leaders and followers alike should be judged by their character, their record of service, and their commitment to the common good, not merely by the political platform they occupy today. The goodwill of the Orji family, whether acknowledged by critics or celebrated by supporters, remains part of the political history of Abia State and should be discussed with fairness rather than erased through selective remembrance.

Political competition is healthy, but it should never require the distortion of history or the abandonment of gratitude. Power is temporary, governments come and go, but history has a remarkable way of preserving the truth for generations yet unborn.

Let us therefore separate hypocrisy from politics, speak the truth with courage, and allow history to judge every actor on the strength of facts rather than the convenience of changing political tides.