Nigeria, April 12 -- There is a reason why the PhD is titled "Doctor of Philosophy." Philosophy is a discipline of rigour and gravity. Among its many virtues, it is meant to compel one to think, act, and write with the clarity of a philosopher. But what does it take to truly embody that outlook? It requires a commitment to intellectual integrity that borders on the sacred. Regardless of which philosophical school one leans toward, the minimum expectation is that objectivity, rationality, and a commitment to truth be adequately reflected in one's public discourse.

This premise is prompted by an article written by one Professor Shehu A Goni, which serves as an overt promotion of Mr Bala Wunti for the governorship of Bauchi State. Every cit...