En Route 2011: e-Jonathan Takes The Lead
Few years ago, going to bed on an empty tummy and waking up to an malnourishing meal seemed to be a familiar tale in Nigeria. However, since last week, President Jonathan or his Honorable Minister for Facebook Affairs has added another feather to our national cap— Aso Rock e-comedy. The question now is- are you filled?
In all ramifications, Nigeria remains an interesting country. Although other countries of the world, especially the so called G8 countries, can boast of economic vibrancy, personnel resourcefulness, security intelligence and political might, our political geniuses are also not lagging behind. For more than 5 years since Nigerians caught the internet fever and Facebook addiction, the online community used to be the arbiter and home zone of the so called internet militants. With several websites that are spearheaded by nigeriavillagesquare.com and saharareporters.com. Nigerian writers home and abroad, young and old; ensure that though the Freedom of Information Bill is dust-laden in the chambers of The National Assembly, our voices are heard online. Current scenarios however indicate otherwise. We’ve been compromised.
Almost every political execu-thief is on Facebook. The list also includes several lawmakers and senators, governors who now have special advisers on Facebook Matters, ministers, commissioners and several heads of government establishments. There are also budding political office seekers who disguise under the pretense of youth advocacy to gain undue popularity. However, none of these individuals could be said to brandish a potent online talisman like that of Mr. President who now seems to be hosting the online version of NTA’s AM Express live from Aso Rock studios.
Like Angel Gabriel blaring his vuvuzella on the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Dr. Pat Utomi and other popular e-warriors sounded the trumpet announcing Goodluck Jonathan’s debut on Facebook. And before you can say Jo, President Jonathan had taken over the internet. When he sneezes, expect about 13,000 comments and 25,000 likes. And when he delivers his long speeches in form of status updates, Facebook servers bear the brunt as Nigerians in thousands compete for Mr. President’s attention. This shows that as far as 2011 is concerned, Jo holds the ace with his online craftiness which is epitomized in his ‘brilliant’ promises for the Nigerian youths. Even the self- proclaimed genius does not come that close.
Last Friday, President Jonathan pledged his administration’s unalloyed ommitment to ensuring that our ivory towers are functioning perfectly. This he said would be achieved by prompt payment of lecturers’ salaries, personnel training and infrastructural development among other interventions. Without an extensive juxtaposition of those words with his recent incidences, Mr. President’s page was over painted with goodwill messages from those who are either star struck, or seeking the good face of Goodluck.
Unlike what Reuben Abati, Okey Ndibe, Pius Adesanmi and other literary warriors propagate online, especially the popular notion of Save Nigeria Group that Nigerians are angry with the status quo and crave for change; it’s becoming evident, on a daily basis, that Nigerians are actually enjoying the show!
If not, we would have set aside a day that every comment would be absolutely against every wrong actions of Jo’s administration and recommend our marshal plans. He said he reads them, why shouldn’t we draw his attention by uniting in our clamors instead of seeking PHCN contracts, Aso rock visits and Presidential handshakes?
The geniuses at Facebook are ensuring access, what we do with it is left to us. Goodluck wants to spend billions yet a large percentage of his friends pat him on the back. Is it that we can’t come up with a strong argument against such, cannot recommend better things to do with the sum, and cannot prove through uploaded videos that the average Nigerian is embittered? As far as present responses are concerned, Jonathan could as well go ahead with the spending since the money would grow wings sooner or later!
It’s evident that Goodluck is having a good time reading all those wonderful comments from the so called oppressed youths and sidelining fellow contestants like Utomi et al at the same time.
I can’t believe that in the twinkle of an eye, President Jonathan could attract such a huge attention in the blogosphere that Dr Utomi, Ribadu, Momodu and the rest once dominated. The stage, though fair enough for all to thrive, seems to be dominated by Mr. President, yet the Nigerian opposition parties are resting on their oars and giving everything away sheepishly (and stupidly) to Jonathan. It’s surprising that the Action Congress (AC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), APGA. Labour Party and the legion of mushroom parties are nowhere to be found with the elections not far away. The internet ought to have become the theater of minds where accusing fingers are pointed, issues are raised and fears are allayed. Presently, this is not the case.
What if other candidates host their own Facebook shows like Jonathan is currently doing? What if they point out his shortcomings and sell themselves to Nigerians at no extra cost? It is a gospel truth in Nigeria that popularity, good or bad, plays a vital role in ensuring victory at the polls; but if current results are anything to go by, Jonathan is taking the lead.
Nuhu Ribadu, Pat utomi, Nasir El Rufai, IBB, Goje, Ahmed Yerima, Bukola Saraki, Pastor Chris Okotie, Dele Momodu, Donald Duke, Atiku Abubakar, other acclaimed candidates and intending presidential aspirants should take on Jonathan on a daily basis. Let there be clashes of ideas, conquests of intellects, contests of opinions, and evidence of intelligence. This is what e-democracy is all about. If they can’t challenge Jonathan on Facebook, how feasible will it be to contend with someone with the power of incumbency tightly secured in his hat?
The President should also sit up to the issues being raised by some Nigerians who are not hypnotized and are making good use of the medium to have their opinions passed across. There have been several reports of people being blocked and prevented from posting comments on our President’s wall. Jonathan should realize that this is a rare blend of democracy and internet liberty. Hence he should either delete his account, or step up and allow freedom of speech- our amended constitutional right.
Come what may, unlike in times past, the internet would be a good place to judge our political aspirants. Nigerians need to open their eyes well enough to fairly judge how these crop of politicians handle issues, issue statements, and state their views on various issues ranging from global security to common pornography. I can’t wait for the next episode of A.M. Express with Lucky Jo while hoping that other aspirants would grow some balls.
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