Banwo, however, maintained that his commendation should not be interpreted as a departure from his long-standing advocacy for a better Nigeria, insisting that he would continue to praise any government whenever it takes the right decisions and criticise it whenever its actions fall short of public expectations.
In a statement issued on Thursday Banwo said Nigeria’s democratic institutions can only earn the confidence of citizens when influential public officials are subjected to the same legal processes as every other Nigerian.
According to him, the prosecution of a former chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, an institution established to enforce ethical standards and integrity in public service, sends an encouraging message that no office holder should enjoy immunity from accountability.
He noted that although corruption is a challenge faced by many countries, the defining factor for any democratic society is the willingness of its institutions to investigate allegations, prosecute suspects and allow justice to take its course whenever sufficient evidence exists.
Banwo said the Tinubu administration deserves recognition if it has allowed the judicial process to run without shielding politically exposed persons, adding that acknowledging such actions does not amount to political partisanship.
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“I have always believed that fairness demands that we criticise when government gets it wrong and commend when it gets it right. My position has not changed,” he said.
“The Mayor of Fadeyi has not been bought, bullied or compromised. My commitment remains the same—to continue advocating for a better Nigeria. I will never become a blind supporter of any government, neither will I become a permanent critic.”
He observed that many Nigerians have become politically polarised, with some unwilling to acknowledge any positive action by government simply because of partisan interests, while others defend every government action regardless of its impact on citizens.
According to Banwo, both extremes undermine democratic accountability and weaken constructive public engagement.
He explained that his interventions on national issues have always been guided by principle rather than political loyalty, stressing that every government should be assessed on the merit of its actions instead of party affiliation.
Banwo also reflected on his recent public apology over comments he made on another national issue, saying he chose to admit his mistake after reviewing fresh information.
He said the experience reinforced his belief that public commentators should be willing to correct themselves whenever the facts change, just as they expect public officials to take responsibility for their actions.
He urged investigative agencies and the judiciary to continue handling high-profile cases professionally, transparently and without political interference, stressing that justice must never be selective.
Banwo reiterated that his campaign for a better Nigeria remains unwavering, adding that citizens have a responsibility to encourage good governance by recognising commendable actions while demanding improvement where necessary.
He said he would continue to support policies and decisions that strengthen democratic institutions, promote accountability and advance national development, while remaining vocal against actions that undermine the rule of law or the welfare of Nigerians.
According to him, democracy flourishes when citizens are objective enough to applaud good performance and courageous enough to hold leaders accountable whenever they fail to meet the expectations of the people.
