ABUJA (Sundiata Post) The evolution of technology has undoubtedly aided the power of communication and the extent to which such activity goes. Information they say, is power. To be informed, is to be equipped.
Technologically, Internet has enhanced the spread of information faster and more convenient at affordable rate. Anybody anywhere can now conveniently pull out his or her cellphone, hit the button and you are good to go. Manual letter writing and informal drafting have long gone to the back-end.
Now you can choose your own subject of interest, express your perceptions as connected to the subject or issues raised. Or, respond/react to other issues as may be raised by other community members on social media. To be honest, with internet connection anybody can say anything to anybody or on anything; many times without the proper knowledge of the subject in question.
The internet regulations or user’s rule is not beign complied with in this part of the world. Even the government of Nigeria lacks capacity to curtail any form of abuse and illicit conduct and dubious engagements.
But in as much as social media has caused some people unfathomable pains, it has also accords some other persons gains. Among other things, people make friends and meet new opportunities. That is media.
Therefore, the power of the media and its ability to shape political agendas and our everyday lives can not be diminished. From Nigeria to South Africa, Africa to Europe and everywhere in between, the ability of the media to provide information that can facilitate civic discussions on the polity is partly responsible the advancement of democratic ideals in countries and among peoples world over.
Social media, since its emergence has become a serious component of the conventional media whether regulated or not, it is a fact no one can dismiss. For instance, we are in election season and alot of discussion about politics, development and even candidates for the elections are profoundly being debated. Evaluating personalitities in politics (Political behaviour) and their credentials and crebility plus all that they got to offer. That’s one serious advantage of being connected to the internet. It avails you the chance to air your thoughts on issues of your interest, share opinions with the world. It is called social media “engagement and privileged participation”. With the instrumentality of the media, you can reach the world at your own cost.
On this note, coming home with the lesson, I want to sincerely appeal to my friends and brothers from Igede speaking part of Benue state to be mindful of what they say or post against each other in the name of politics and an attempt to demonstrate their support for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming election and in the future.
The task to move Igede forward and market our values and worth belong to every Igede son and daughter.
Social media avails us good opportunity to cooperate, unite for common goal. Build strong and identical relationships that can promote the ‘Igede Agenda’. We should desist from campaign of calumny and respect each other’s choice and interest in politics. Vicious remarks and unsubstantiated damaging comments are seen as an attempt to score cheap political points. One can be sued for slander and libel.
Our conversations on this platform or others should conform with professional ethics of engagement. Debates ought to be issue based and respectable.
Perhaps you have any serious allegation against anyone running for any elective post in and outside Igedeland you can challenge that in law court. Politics of violence and animosity, repugnance and revulsion should be shunned and not allowed to form part of our collective struggle.
However, we will stand against ‘iconoclasts’ trying to kill the dream of moving Igede forward which remains our general aim.
Finally, in politics, if two persons ride on a horse, one must ride behind.
