Nigeria, June 15 -- There are seasons in politics when criticism performs its proper democratic function, and there are seasons when it becomes merely an instrument of anxiety. The difference is not always obvious at first. Both may co-exist clothed in the language of scrutiny. Both may claim to ask questions. Both may present themselves as public service. Yet one is interested in evidence, while the other is interested in reducing a person, a record or an institution to the size of a convenient narrative.

Every political culture develops habits of judgment. Some encourage inquiry. Others encourage suspicion. Over time, those habits become so deeply embedded that they begin to shape how societies interpret success itself. Achievement cea...