By: Comrade Victor Ojei popularly called Wong Box (Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Civil Societies and NGO’s)
Kindly take note that:
1. Rumours are carried by haters, spread by fools and accepted by idiots!
2. “Cease constructing barriers of conflict, instead assist in constructing pathways of comprehension between individuals.”
In a world rife with misunderstandings and misinformation, it is crucial that we address the need to refrain from character assassination in Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. The power of words and the potential consequences of slanderous acts cannot be underestimated. Character assassination, the malicious and unjust attempt to tarnish an individual’s reputation, stands as a pervasive issue that affects families, workplaces, organizations, and various spheres of society.
One should never allow themselves to be swayed by others to harbour baseless animosity towards someone who has not wronged them. The principle of avoiding hasty judgments based on hearsay holds immense significance. The opinions people hold about others often reflect their own values and mindset. A person’s inclination to criticize and defame others is indicative of their own character.
The impact of character assassination extends beyond individuals—it erodes trust, disrupts harmony, and undermines social cohesion. The act of character assassination is a form of emotional violence that breeds negativity and hostility. False allegations, often the weapon of choice in such situations, perpetrate mental abuse and hinder personal growth and development.
To counteract this destructive behavior, there are six essential “DON’Ts” we must adhere to:
1. Don’t Draw Hasty Conclusions: Relying on others’ opinions without verifying their accuracy demonstrates a lack of social intelligence. To maintain objectivity, seek the truth before forming judgments.
2. Don’t Inherit Others’ Enemies: Blindly adopting others’ enemies as our own showcases ignorance. Diverse relationships should be nurtured independently of preconceived notions.
3. Don’t Join the Hate Bandwagon: Refrain from participating in group-driven hatred. Avoid spreading baseless rumors that only serve to harm others’ reputations.
4. Don’t Be a Pawn in Battles: Select your battles wisely. Don’t allow yourself to be manipulated into supporting others’ disputes without careful consideration.
5. Don’t Judge Based on Differences: Embrace diversity and appreciate differing opinions. The path to growth lies in learning from those who differ from us.
6. Don’t Judge Without Context: Avoid forming judgments without understanding the full story. Resist the temptation to judge others based on half-truths or incomplete information.
Character assassination ultimately divides communities, creating barriers where understanding and empathy should flourish. Instead, we should strive to break down these barriers and cultivate unity. The spread of false information and rumors only deepens the divide. Let us be mindful of our words and actions, promoting healthy dialogue and constructive interactions.
In conclusion, Comrade Victor Ojei’s message resonates deeply: the path to a harmonious society begins with each individual’s commitment to avoiding character assassination. By upholding these principles, we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and compassionate Nigeria, fostering an environment where integrity and unity prevail.