By: Comrade Hashim Muazu Muhammad
I am not a supporter of Rarara or the politicians he campaigns for, but fairness demands that we judge issues consistently, not emotionally.
Rarara has, over the years, praised politicians when they were allies and criticized them when they became political opponents. He has done this to figures such as Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Shekarau, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and many others.
Dr. Isa Ali Pantami was also praised when they were politically aligned, so it should not be surprising that he is now being criticized after taking a different political path. That is the nature of political rivalry in Nigeria.
We must separate the personality from the position. As an Islamic scholar, Dr. Pantami deserves respect for his knowledge and service to Islam. As a politician, however, he is subject to public and political criticism like every other political actor. Political criticism is not new in our democracy.
What is important is consistency. Those who applauded Rarara when he criticized other respected leaders should not suddenly condemn him simply because the criticism is now directed at someone they support. If it was acceptable then, it should be judged by the same standard today.
Let's be fair, avoid selective outrage, and distinguish between religious scholarship and political participation. Facts should be evaluated fairly, regardless of who they favor.
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Opinion