Chess champion Tunde Onakoya, who recently broke the world record for the longest chess marathon, met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House. The meeting included a photo opportunity where Onakoya presented a chess set to the President. Social media critic S.A.L.A.K.O (@UnkleAyo) questioned the timing and optics of the meeting, suggesting it creates awkward positioning for civil society advocates who have criticised government policies since 1999.
- Onakoya's chess achievement gained international recognition for Nigeria
- The State House meeting follows the pattern of presidential meetings with successful Nigerians
- Salako argues that such photo opportunities distract from accountability conversations
- Civil society advocates face a dilemma when engaging with administrations they've criticised
Presidential photo opportunities with achievers create compelling narratives that can overshadow policy scrutiny. When successful Nigerians meet presidents, the celebration of individual excellence often drowns out institutional accountability questions. This dynamic puts civil society advocates in impossible positions—reject recognition and appear churlish, or accept and risk being seen as compromised.
Smart citizens can appreciate achievements while maintaining critical distance from political theatre. The challenge lies in separating genuine celebration from strategic distraction.
How can successful Nigerians engage with government recognition whilst maintaining independence? Should achievements be celebrated separately from political endorsements?
Credit: UnkleAyo
