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Sunday, 4 December 2016

Internet crackdown in Africa: Is Nigeria set to follow the trend?

Africa has come a long way with regards to democracy but unlike in the West where the practice is firmly rooted, the process is not as free, fair and inclusive on the black continent. For many who find themselves shut out of the physical political space, the internet provides a pressure valve for the outlet of emotions and opinions.
The social media revolution is gathering steam across the continent and the political bigwigs have not failed to notice. The general response has been to take out the threat and shutdown the internet altogether.
With the rise of a platform which gives voice to anyone with a mobile phone and data, they see their vicelike grip on the patrimonial, prebendal political process which rewards only themselves and their cronies under threat. Governments in Congo, Chad, Uganda, Gambia and Ghana have blocked access to the internet during elections.
The Nigerian legislature tried to sneak in a somewhat similar measure through the backdoor but the Social Media Bill as it came to be known received a lot of public backlash and the politicians had to back down.
We're still two and a half years away from the next general elections but the posturing and horse trading is already in full flow and the stakes are the highest they've ever been. With the internet playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the African political sphere via social media, how long before the political gladiators decide to take out this people-driven monster that threatens their gilded dominance?

16 comments:

  1. Dey had better not think of it. Linda take note!

    ReplyDelete
  2. GOOD TO SEE





    AUNTY LINDA 👩





    PLEASE KINDLY FOLLOW ME ON LIS @OKECHUKWU NNODUECHI

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nigerians will hack it even if they try it

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  4. They can't Fittn't in this Clime.
    Maybe those countries U mentioned in ur post.. They will nail theirselves..
    Naija don open eyez pass those aforementioned countries Nah. IF I HEAR PIM 4 REAL.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I believe and pray I will get help from here . After my shop and goods I bought with almost all my savings was raised down by fire some months back, I lost a lot and from that day onwards till today I have been struggling to stand on my feet again, It has not been easy coupled with the fact that my rent has expired for over a month and my landlord has given me two weeks to pay up or pack out which is remaining 1week and a day . Pls I need help no amount is little as it will go a long way in paying up my rent. thank you. Francabrown13@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. hmm
    -D great anonymous now as Vivian Reginalds

    ReplyDelete
  7. Direction less write-up! Nothing tangible was said in this article.

    ReplyDelete

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of Linda Ikeji.

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