When Envy Targets Excellence, a Nation Pays the Price – Dr Ibraheem ibn ibraheem
Nigeria is hurting. Fear walks our streets freely, while peace hides behind locked doors. In times like this, a nation is expected to protect its finest minds. Sadly, history shows that greatness often attracts envy—and excellence often becomes a target.
Many Nigerians believe that Abba Kyari rose not by luck, but by rare intelligence, discipline, and results. His success in dismantling criminal networks made him stand out in a system where such brilliance is uncommon. And as it has happened many times in history, standing out made him a target.
There is a growing belief among citizens that certain interests ganged up against him, driven not by justice, but by envy, vendetta, and the desire to pull down a man whose light shone too brightly. When excellence threatens comfort, it is often attacked. When competence exposes mediocrity, it is resisted. And when one man succeeds where many failed, he becomes inconvenient.
The Tragedy of Image Destruction
Tarnishing the image of a capable security professional does not only destroy one man—it weakens national morale. It sends a dangerous message to other intelligent officers: “Do well, and you may be punished for it.” This culture kills innovation, discourages courage, and rewards silence over results.
While narratives are shaped and reputations questioned, the nation continues to bleed. Criminals regroup. Kidnappers grow bolder. Innocent lives are lost. And Nigeria loses something far more valuable than arguments—it loses time.
The Economic and Human Cost
Insecurity is not just a security problem; it is an economic disaster. When experienced intelligence minds are sidelined:
Businesses shut down
Food prices rise as farmers flee
Unemployment grows
Foreign and local investors withdraw
Every day such expertise remains unused, Nigeria loses money, stability, and lives. A nation fighting insecurity cannot afford internal wars fueled by jealousy and personal grudges.
This Is a Call for Wisdom, Not Chaos
This is not an attack on the rule of law. It is a plea for fairness, balance, and national interest. Justice must be served, but justice must also be wise. Nations that survive crises are those that rise above envy and vendetta, choosing competence over politics, and progress over personal battles.
History teaches us a painful lesson: countries that destroy their best minds in the name of internal rivalry often regret it when it is too late.
Let Nigeria Choose Wisdom
To many Nigerians, Abba Kyari symbolizes a time when intelligence-led policing brought hope. Allowing envy and personal agendas to overshadow national security is a luxury Nigeria cannot afford.
When a nation allows envy to silence excellence, darkness spreads faster.
Nigeria must look beyond narratives, beyond vendettas, and choose wisdom—because the cost of ignoring it is far too great.
