Main PageHow The Internet Has Redefined Nigerian Politics
Editor’s note: The first-ever Internet transmission was documented on 29 October, 1969. Since then, the technology and science behind the invention has changed and continues to change the world, interpersonal communication and the ay people perceive and use the available information.
As of today, the number of Internet users in Nigeria is nearing 90 million. ‘Yomi Kazeem, the Naij.com columnist, muses on how the Internet has impacted Nigerian politics and the field of entrepreneurship.
Two decades ago, Nigeria was stuck in a dictatorship. Information was censored, public opinion was tightly monitored as dissidents were jailed or, in worst cases, killed. Advocacy was thought of as an invitation for government harassment, and organizing protests to challenge the authority of the then-leader, General Sani Abacha, was pretty much a direct route to a prison cell. Fast forward to 2015, and the Internet has changed all that.
As the world marks the Internet Day, the many benefits are clear to see in Nigeria. The growth of the Internet has spawned new industries as tech start-ups have emerged, some of which have earned commendations for their business prospects and also raised millions of dollars in investment. But the impact of the Internet on politics is also very significant.
For a very long time, Nigerians’ default sentiment to politics was “it is not my business,” but these days, aided by the use of social media, Nigerians have become widely involved, in different capacities. The general elections of April and May 2015 were the best examples of how deeply involved Nigerians are in politics. Where there was voter apathy in the past, people turned out in droves – despite logistical issues – to vote, and they did not stop there. Monitoring the counting and collation of votes, Nigerians across the country, using the Internet, made it a duty to push for transparency by announcing and double-checking poll results.
On social media, there are neverending conversations on affairs of the country as motives are questioned and decisions are criticized. Never before has participation and interest in politics been higher and it is very unlikely that this would still be the case without the Internet.
On a number of occasions, mass calls for action have evolved into causes which have gone viral online in ways that were previously unimaginable. DSS arrests, such as that of Isiaka Yusuf who live-tweeted scenes from a foiled jailbreak in Abuja, which would have gone unnoticed and possibly unquestioned, were protested. Nigeria, having gained a voice, sought to use it strongly.
There was no clearer indication of this than in January 2012 when thousands of Nigerians orchestrated mass nationwide strikes in protest over a hike in fuel prices using mobile phones, digital cameras and computers. Predictably, the #OccupyNigeria trend was shot into global prominence and decisively forced a compromise from the government. The use of social media in orchestrating the strike was so effective it inspired a study by students in a leading Nigerian university.
In recent times, social media has also proved valuable since the kidnap of the Chibok girls – an incident which could have been overlooked but for quick flow of information the Internet allows.
Just as the Internet has spawned tech start-ups, we have seen the growth of civic start-ups. Undoubtedly, one of the great successes in its field has been BudgIT – a start-up which helps understand public budgets by breaking them down, often using infographics. BudgIT’s work has been internationally recognized and rewarded with a slew of awards and grants. There are several others technology-enabled tools like Buharimeter and Tracka, all aimed at one thing – ensuring accountability.
Perhaps the greatest validation of the impact the Internet has had is how much politicians, initially averse to it, are starting to embrace it. Most state governors and public office-holders operate social media accounts as they seek to interact with the people they serve and get feedback. It is not always a positive relationship, but the lines of communication have remained open.
Nigerians might take the newfound tool for granted, but on a day like this, it is important to remember that only two decades ago, things were very different.
‘Yomi Kazeem is a media professional based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Mr Kazeem has become a spokesperson for the #Set4School campaign raising funds and school supplies for 300 children of the Lagos State Primary School Onipetise in Mangoro, Ikeja. We could not remain indifferent; that is why Naij.com prompts you, our esteemed readers, to help our Nigerian schoolchildren to get an education. More information here, the deadline has been extended until the end of October.
This article expresses the author’s opinion only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Naij.com or its editors.
As of today, the number of Internet users in Nigeria is nearing 90 million. ‘Yomi Kazeem, the Naij.com columnist, muses on how the Internet has impacted Nigerian politics and the field of entrepreneurship.
Two decades ago, Nigeria was stuck in a dictatorship. Information was censored, public opinion was tightly monitored as dissidents were jailed or, in worst cases, killed. Advocacy was thought of as an invitation for government harassment, and organizing protests to challenge the authority of the then-leader, General Sani Abacha, was pretty much a direct route to a prison cell. Fast forward to 2015, and the Internet has changed all that.
As the world marks the Internet Day, the many benefits are clear to see in Nigeria. The growth of the Internet has spawned new industries as tech start-ups have emerged, some of which have earned commendations for their business prospects and also raised millions of dollars in investment. But the impact of the Internet on politics is also very significant.
Political participation
For a very long time, Nigerians’ default sentiment to politics was “it is not my business,” but these days, aided by the use of social media, Nigerians have become widely involved, in different capacities. The general elections of April and May 2015 were the best examples of how deeply involved Nigerians are in politics. Where there was voter apathy in the past, people turned out in droves – despite logistical issues – to vote, and they did not stop there. Monitoring the counting and collation of votes, Nigerians across the country, using the Internet, made it a duty to push for transparency by announcing and double-checking poll results.On social media, there are neverending conversations on affairs of the country as motives are questioned and decisions are criticized. Never before has participation and interest in politics been higher and it is very unlikely that this would still be the case without the Internet.
Advocacy
On a number of occasions, mass calls for action have evolved into causes which have gone viral online in ways that were previously unimaginable. DSS arrests, such as that of Isiaka Yusuf who live-tweeted scenes from a foiled jailbreak in Abuja, which would have gone unnoticed and possibly unquestioned, were protested. Nigeria, having gained a voice, sought to use it strongly.
There was no clearer indication of this than in January 2012 when thousands of Nigerians orchestrated mass nationwide strikes in protest over a hike in fuel prices using mobile phones, digital cameras and computers. Predictably, the #OccupyNigeria trend was shot into global prominence and decisively forced a compromise from the government. The use of social media in orchestrating the strike was so effective it inspired a study by students in a leading Nigerian university.
In recent times, social media has also proved valuable since the kidnap of the Chibok girls – an incident which could have been overlooked but for quick flow of information the Internet allows.
Accountability
Just as the Internet has spawned tech start-ups, we have seen the growth of civic start-ups. Undoubtedly, one of the great successes in its field has been BudgIT – a start-up which helps understand public budgets by breaking them down, often using infographics. BudgIT’s work has been internationally recognized and rewarded with a slew of awards and grants. There are several others technology-enabled tools like Buharimeter and Tracka, all aimed at one thing – ensuring accountability.
Perhaps the greatest validation of the impact the Internet has had is how much politicians, initially averse to it, are starting to embrace it. Most state governors and public office-holders operate social media accounts as they seek to interact with the people they serve and get feedback. It is not always a positive relationship, but the lines of communication have remained open.
Nigerians might take the newfound tool for granted, but on a day like this, it is important to remember that only two decades ago, things were very different.
‘Yomi Kazeem for Naij.com
Mr Kazeem has become a spokesperson for the #Set4School campaign raising funds and school supplies for 300 children of the Lagos State Primary School Onipetise in Mangoro, Ikeja. We could not remain indifferent; that is why Naij.com prompts you, our esteemed readers, to help our Nigerian schoolchildren to get an education. More information here, the deadline has been extended until the end of October.
This article expresses the author’s opinion only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Naij.com or its editors.
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