By Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor “Agbor Balla”
This reflection emerges directly from our discussions last week on Media Prime Forum, where participants raised serious concerns about a troubling pattern within Anglophone public life.
The concern was real.
The frustration was genuine.
And the implications are profound.
This is not about defending those in power. Public officials must always be held accountable.
Rather, this reflection focuses on reform-minded leaders; activists, civic actors, community voices, and professionals who step forward to challenge injustice or offer alternative paths for our people.
A Growing Culture of Internal Destruction
Within Anglophone public space, especially on social media, we are witnessing a disturbing trend.
Those who speak up.
Those who organize.
Those who run for office.
Those who advocate for reform.
Instead of being constructively challenged, they are often publicly ridiculed, discredited, or attacked at a deeply personal level.
Scrutiny is healthy.
Accountability is necessary.
But what we increasingly normalize is not accountability.
It is annihilation.
The “Pull Him Down” (PHD) Syndrome
The “Pull Him Down” syndrome manifests when:
Visibility invites suspicion rather than encouragement.
- Initiative attracts resentment rather than inspiration.
- Courage becomes a target rather than a contribution.
Instead of asking,
“How do we strengthen reform voices?”
we default to,
“How do we expose, ridicule, or delegitimize them?”
This does not empower our struggle.
It weakens it.
The Psychological Toll
Behind every reform-minded leader is a human being.
A spouse who reads the insults.
Children who see their parent mocked online.
Parents who worry quietly.
Relentless online hostility takes a serious psychological toll.
Some activists withdraw.
Some reduce their visibility.
Some choose silence.
Not because they lack conviction but because the emotional cost becomes unbearable.
When that happens, the entire community loses.
The Strategic Damage
There is also a broader consequence.
When reform voices are constantly attacked from within, we create the impression of fragmentation and internal distrust.
Young aspiring leaders observe the hostility and hesitate.
Professionals who might otherwise step forward decide that the public space is too toxic.
We then ask:
“Why are strong leaders not emerging?”
The answer may partly lie in the environment we create.
Accountability Without Self-Sabotage
Let us be clear.
Reform-minded leaders must also be accountable.
No one is above criticism.
But there is a difference between:
Questioning strategy and destroying credibility.
Challenging decisions and attacking families.
Disagreeing politically and humiliating personally.
If we cannot make that distinction, we risk weakening our own cause.
A Needed Reset in Anglophone Public Culture
If our goal is dignity, justice, and meaningful reform, then our methods must reflect those values.
We must move from:
Public humiliation to Constructive engagement
From
Emotional attacks to Strategic critique
From
Internal sabotage to Institutional strengthening
Strong movements correct their leaders.
They do not devour them.
This reflection is not a plea for blind loyalty.
It is a call for emotional maturity in our public space.
If we continue tearing down reform-minded leaders from within, we may soon discover that the very people willing to serve have chosen silence over service.
And then we will ask:
“Where are the leaders?”
The better question is:
Are we creating an environment where reform leadership can survive?
Nkongho Felix Agbor “Agbor Balla”
