There is profound wisdom in the words of Proverbs 16:7: "When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." Whether viewed from the standpoint of faith or simple human experience, the verse captures an enduring truth. Time has a way of separating perception from reality. Consistency eventually outlives noise (Bolaji Ogundele, 2026).
I was reminded of this truth recently while observing the growing conversations around Engr. Eric Anyamene.
Not long ago, some of his loudest critics dismissed his aspirations and questioned his motives. Some were quick to believe every negative story they heard. Others formed opinions without ever meeting the man.
Today, something interesting is happening.
Some of those same critics are beginning to see him differently. A few have openly acknowledged that their earlier impression was wrong. Others, after meeting him or watching his engagements closely, have quietly admitted that there is more to Eric Anyamene than the narratives they once believed.
That, to me, is one of the greatest tests of leadership.
It is easy to impress those who already support you. It is far more difficult to earn the respect of people who once doubted you. When critics begin to reconsider their position, it is often because they have encountered something stronger than propaganda—consistency.
I have watched Engr. Eric Anyamene over the past months. Whether he is meeting community leaders, visiting churches, supporting education, or quietly responding to the needs of ordinary people, one thing remains constant. He does not appear interested in trading insults with opponents. He simply continues doing the work.
Perhaps that explains why even political opponents have become curious. Some now ask what is driving the growing support around him. Others quietly observe his activities, trying to understand why his message continues to resonate across different communities.
The answer, in my opinion, is not difficult to find.
People are naturally drawn to sincerity. They may not agree with you immediately, but they recognise consistency when they see it. Character has a way of revealing itself over time, just as pretence eventually fades.
This does not mean everyone will support Engr. Eric Anyamene. Politics has never worked that way, and it never will. Healthy disagreement is part of democracy.
But when those who once stood on the other side begin to acknowledge your qualities, it suggests that the conversation has moved beyond propaganda. It becomes a conversation about leadership, character and credibility.
For me, that is one of the most interesting developments in Idemili politics today.
When critics pause to applaud, it is usually because reality has become too obvious to ignore. And perhaps that is exactly what we are beginning to witness.
