Let that sink in, June 22 -- In a country where political insensitivity is becoming normalized, nothing illustrates this decay more than the suspension of Ukeyima John Ukmoni, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. His "offense"? For participating in a peaceful protest to condemn the mass killing of over 200 people, men, women, and children, in his home state.

a government appointee is suspended not for corruption, not for abuse of office, not for any form of misconduct, but for expressing grief and solidarity with the people whose blood now cries from the soil of Benue.

This action reeks of injustice. It is hypocritical, tone-deaf, and politically dangerous. In fact, the real question is not w...