It goes without saying that democracy is all about freedom of speech, but not any more in Nigeria; at least so it seems for now. While I am not one that is inclined to partisan politics, I am one that will question what politicians do and if need be, suggest ways in which we can hold them accountable. When we fail to hold our public office holders and politicians accountable, they become demi-gods and call the shots as they please. This is politically unhealthy and unhygienic, as it is detrimental to the development of human society.
The move to shut up the people of Nigeria under the ridiculous ‘hate speech’ bill is one of present government’s attempt to redefine democracy and that move is obviously as grievous as the rugalization agenda. At a time when African countries are reawakening the giants within, it appears that our dear country is relegating herself to the backgrounds through bills and policies that are inimical to human development and societal advancement. This is quite disturbing.
In 2005, I visited places in the United States from London, and one of those places was the White House. There was this middle aged man standing at the gate of the White House with placards, one stapled to his back and the other to his chest with the inscriptions ‘Bush, war criminal’ and ‘Impeach Bush’. At that time, Bush was President. People who took pictures of the White House went home with pictures of this American citizen.
Curious and intrigued by this unusual boldness, I went to interview him. I found out he had lost his job as an engineer and he thought if Bush had made better policies nobody should lose jobs in America. That was his opinion and he determined that until Bush was impeached, he would keep working at the gates of the White House. President Bush understands democracy; not even the police officers that patrolled the White House bothered this citizen who was going about ‘his business’. He religiously reported to work day in day out for only God knows how long. That is democracy. That is freedom of speech. That is modern day society.
As I flew back to London I kept ruminating over that man at the gates of the White House. Let us pretend for a moment that this scenario played out in Nigeria. What would be the lot of that man? He would have been labeled a terrorist and killed like chicken and nobody would have said anything. That is how backwards we are in Nigeria and that, my friend, is a big source of concern to me as a Nigerian.
Different sections of the country are agitating for separate existence and we think that is uncalled for. If the country works for one section but does not work for the other, why wouldn’t people look for alternative ways to exist as a human society? We are told that the borders have been closed, but we also hear that activities are ongoing 24/7 at some borders. Is that one Nigeria or multiple Nigeria? Does the government actually want people to keep quiet about these things just so they wouldn’t be labeled ‘haters’ and condemned to death for ‘hate speeches’?
The world is watching but it is really disturbing and every Nigerian should be concerned that this present government has left much to be desired. While I don’t advocate for civil unrest, we know from history that when you make peace impossible and push the people to the wall, you make violence inevitable and with it comes, chaos and anarchy. Let those that make laws and sponsor bills in Nigeria be mindful of the externalities of the intents and purposes in their hearts when they sponsor these obviously retarded bills.
@MezieOkolo is a Public Health and Leadership Analyst and a voice from diaspora
12/07/2019