Publisher's Synopsis
In Nigerian politics and governance, we witness a perplexing contradiction in the actions of our political leaders. Once they assume power, they advocate for laws that, if enforced earlier, would have hindered their own rise. It's like climbing a ladder only to pull it back, preventing others from reaching the top. A recent statement by a prominent government official, calling for the regulation of social media during a book launch, perfectly exemplifies this paradox.
But let us pause and reflect. Would Nigerians feel the need to voice their grievances on social media if the ruling Party adequately addressed our pressing needs? If we had reliable electricity, effective measures to combat inflation, eradication of banditry and kidnapping, and universal access to quality education and employment, the urgency for social media activism might diminish. Unfortunately, the harsh reality remains that many Nigerians endure hardship and deprivation while witnessing the extravagant lifestyles of the political elite.
Throughout history, those in power, whether secular or sacred, have always tried to suppress dissent. George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four" vividly portrays a ruling Party that uses fear to justify oppressive control measures. Similarly, the Orthodox once employed the Index Librorum Prohibitorum to regulate print media, banning and burning books deemed subversive.
In Nigeria's past, during military regimes, Decree No.2 imposed prison sentences on journalists who published anything that "embarrassed" a government official, regardless of its truthfulness. The mere thought of social media regulation brings back memories of these repressive tactics, signaling a dangerous regression in our hard-fought freedoms. We must vehemently oppose such measures and safeguard our fundamental right to freedom of expression.
Stand up against social media regulation and make your voice heard! By spreading this message across different platforms and enlightening your friends, we can unite to safeguard our freedom of expression. Let's amplify our voices together and ensure that the proposed social media regulation law is rejected.