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| 2face |
Indeed, speeches are very powerful as they can control the
emotions of all and sundry, especially those on social media. No wonder the
bible emphasizes the powerful nature of the tongue.
Contrary to the general belief that the social media only serves as a means through which people can get and share information, they also serve as avenues through which people can backlash, denigrate, criticize and appraise others and as well get backlashed, denigrated, criticized and appraised by others.
In Nigeria, the social media have adequately performed the aims
and functions of a satire as Nigerians have continuously used them as vehicles
to showcase their dissatisfaction on the attitude of an organisation,
individual and a government. Some days ago, on social media, the leading icon
of one of the forms of the poetry genre of literature (music) in Nigeria, 2face
Idibia, announced his nationwide protest on February 6, 2017, against the
Buhari-led administration due to the shattered state of the nation's economy
under its watch. His speech and decision spurred the interest of other
celebrities, affected and well meaning Nigerians as they decided to join him in
the protest. The social media were never left out as they were bombarded with
numerous applaudable comments by its users (mainly Nigerians) on 2face's
decision although few Nigerians countered it.
However, on Saturday, February 4, 2017, the singer told the
general public and his staunch supporters that the protest would no longer
continue due to security reasons. I was totally startled when I saw this
musical icon (2face) who was once celebrated by so many on social media being
directly and indirectly insulted by the same people on the same platform
irrespective of his social standing.
2face Idibia's Protest Cancellation Speech:
“Dear Nigerians, after due consultations, it has become
clear that the one voice protest scheduled to hold in Lagos and Abuja on
Monday, February 6 is under serious threat of hijack by interests not aligned
with our ideals.
"The point I am intent on making is not worth the life
of any Nigerian. It is motivated by the need to negotiate a better deal for the
ordinary Nigerian.
"I therefore announce the cancellation of the planned
protest.
“We would share further information in due course. We appreciate
the massive support .
“I am convinced our voices have been heard.
May God bless you all, may God bless Nigeria."
Such an overwhelming amazement gradually faded away when I began
to realize that the social media are strong agents of societal change. It is
through the social media that the Buhari's administration was ridiculed and
portrayed as a deceitful government, characterized by empty promises. It is
through the social media that the name of the minister of Information,
Lai Mohammed, was changed to "Lie Mohammed" as a result of his
untrue statements/speeches.
In sum, the social media is greatly controlled by the speeches of
members of the society, especially the prominent members. Therefore, we should
learn to speak wisely in order not to be trending shits but trending
celebrities on social media.