By Isaac Asabor
Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any of the social media platforms available, people use social media every day to express their views on any issue that can leave positive or negative impact on their lives, even as any given social media platform is equally use to connect with friends, or keep up with current events. Thus, as the presidential election approaches, come 2023, many are already by each passing day on social media commenting on why some candidates are fit and qualified to contest in the forthcoming election, and by God’s grace, consequently become Nigeria’s president.
In fact, not few presidential hopeful that have so far publicly made their interest to participate in the election known are finding it difficult to cope as they are been calumniated by social media trolls who are by the minute posting derogatory and ridiculous comments about them. In fact, social media trolls are not only after these candidates but also after their supporters who are equally on social media platforms like them. Indeed, social media trolls have started voicing their opinions on political choice or controversial issues.
In a similar vein, in a situation where supporters of these lampooned politicians voluntarily chose to help them mitigate the damages been done on their reputations, they are wont to be virtually attacked by social media trolls through annoying and provocative backlashes. I must confess that when yours sincerely supported a gubernatorial aspirant through his journalistic and writing skills in 2020 that it was so excruciating that I was compelled to adopt a policy of warding off social media trolls from my virtual platforms with diplomacy. In handling social media trolls at the time, I was wont to first determine if such person is truly a troll by allowing him or her to do it repeatedly. After his trolling status has being determined, I resolved not to stoop to his or her level, and simply ignore posts sent by such troll. Given the provocative nature of the posts I used to receive on my Facebook pages at the time, I was emboldened to either mute or block, and out rightly unfriend anyone identified to be a troll.
Against the foregoing backdrop, those who I confided in, and who were aware of my experience often ask me, “Why are you so interested in politics and government?”
As someone who has spent many years studying and writing on issues that revolve around politics, I recognise that, to some, it is not the most glamorous of subjects.
Combine this “boring factor” with the ongoing climate of cynicism, controversial topics and combative media attention regarding government, and you have a population which is generally disengaged, and while I understand why some might be apathetic toward any issue that border on politics, I would like to share three reasons why people should be interested in politics and government.
First and foremost, government and politics impacts nearly on every aspect of our lives. Whether we like it or not, government plays a huge role in our daily lives, ranging from the amount of tax we pay pertaining to the roads we ply on daily basis, and the level of electricity we are supplied with as well as the health and educational facilities that are available to us as citizens.
Again, since we know that government impacts on various choices we make, why can’t we take the time to understand how the process works? Who makes these laws and how do they impact on us?
Having this understanding can help anyone determine the best course of action for himself or herself and the family, regarding a wide range of issues.
Secondly, having knowledge of politics helps make anyone an informed voter. It is a well-known fact that many Nigerians do not vote. In fact, it would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in February 2021 disclosed that voters’ turnout across Nigeria hovered around 30 to 35 per cent of registered voters in the last two electoral cycles; that is 2015 and 2019, respectively.
Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, disclosed this in Abuja at the Commission’s first consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for 2021.
Yakubu said while some elections recorded higher percentage of voter turnouts, it was lower in some other elections
“Over the last two electoral cycles, including off-season elections, voter turnout across the country hovers around 30 to 35 per cent”.
For those who do vote, I believe it’s important to go to the polls armed with the facts. Whether you’re voting for President or voting on a local ballot initiative, having the facts helps you make an informed decision on the issues.
This isn’t to say that it’s necessary to read every newspaper article about an issue or watch every television interview with a candidate, but doing some independents research can give you peace of mind that you’ve done your homework prior to casting your ballot.
Thirdly and lastly, Politics is entertaining. While it might not be as entertaining as going out with friends on a Friday night, politics can be quite fun that one experiences catharsis in many different ways, particularly during the campaigns that presage the election proper. Who will not experience catharsis upon hearing that a presidential hopeful urinated on his body? Whether it is true or not; it definitely serves as a comic relief.
In fact, being a spectator can be exciting. “Is my candidate ahead in the polls?” “What was their latest blunder?” Just think, this fun only occurs during election season. However, vigorous debates with friends and family about the current hot-button political issues can occur any time! Also, who doesn’t like a good political scandal?
While I don’t expect everyone to rush out and become members of the All People’s Congress (APC), or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it is expedient we endeavor to get our Permanent Voters Card (PVC), and pay attention to political issues as well as identifying the candidate that portrays good leadership qualities, and help in selling his or her candidacy to those around us in our neighborhoods, churches, offices and other places we are familiar with on individual basis but we shouldn’t be partisan about it as it is not a “Do or die affair”.
Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not a misnomer to say that politics and government should be everybody’s business.
