While technology is hailed as a liberator some government's now see it as a new enemy. Social media clampdown is cowardice, a sign of weakness and a failing government unable to let the truth see the daylight.
Effective government welcomes constructive criticisms and seeks new ways to engage with citizens in a collaborative manner. These are changing times, so in a rapidly changing enviroment the government needs to change its approach to governance and embrace inclusiveness.
Social media is one good tool to change the system and create radical change. Sadly most governments are failing in their responsibility to create jobs for their citizens, so social media is now payback tool which should challenge governments to sit up not to shut down social media. Can you shut down what you didn't create?.
Social media is one sure way for citizens voices can be heard in a democracy, so that change can happen. In the words of ex-President Barrack Obama: "In a diverse society, the strongest weapon against hateful speech is not repression, it is more speech, the voices of tolerance that rally against bigotory and blasphemy and lift up the values of understanding and mutual respect".
We have written about the need for free speech-'free communication of ideas and opinions' to flourish in a democracy, so every government must treat this fundamental right with great caution.
Make Nigeria Free For All, A lesson on Free Speech.
Click on this link to read more: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2017/09/make-nigeria-free-for-all-lesson-on.html
Guidance of public opinion should be least of the worries of a performing government, it's only a failing government that worries about what people can see and hear a sad legacy of Autocracy. It's only through speech that the truth can be known
Uche Okeke is a Social Entrepreneur, he lives in London.
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