The right to know, the power of awareness to all citizens
As a concerned citizen of Nigeria, I firmly believe that citizens have the right to know everything that goes on in their country, regardless of the potentially devastating effects. Citizens need to be informed and aware of the happenings in their nation, even if the news is uncomfortable or disturbing. This belief is rooted in the idea that an informed citizenry is crucial for a functioning democracy.
In Nigeria, there are numerous examples of how keeping citizens in the dark has led to injustice and suffering. The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is a prime example. This unit was created under the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)to combat robbery, but SARS officers have been notorious for harassing, killing, and extorting innocent citizens, especially young people since its inception. If not for the outcry and media exposure, SARS might still be perpetrating these atrocities. The EndSARS movement on October 20th, 2020 organized by the youth, which led to the disbandment of the unit, was a testament to the power of citizen activism and the importance of awareness. Everybody was aware of the way the squad had been killing the citizens🤔 Information is valid proof of good governance.
Another one is how corruption and embezzlement have plagued Nigeria for decades, with billions of naira stolen from public coffers. How do we get to know when it was said a snake swallowed 36 billion naira from the office overnight if not for 247 News? Citizens have a right to know how their tax money is being spent and who is responsible for the looting.
Subsidy removal was transmitted through the News. Transparency and accountability are essential for good governance and development. The Panama Papers and Paradise Papers scandals, which exposed widespread corruption and money laundering by Nigerian officials, Emefiele's money laundering, and some others are examples of how citizen awareness can lead to accountability. We were informed that's why we can relate well in some cases👌
Also, citizens should be aware of the environmental degradation and pollution caused by oil exploitation in the Niger Delta region. The health of the people living in the area is a human rights issue that needs to be addressed. The Niger Delta crisis, which has led to numerous protests and clashes between communities and oil companies, highlights the importance of citizen awareness and involvement in the things going on around them.
How far about the ongoing insecurity and terrorism in the country? This is particularly true in the North-East, which requires citizens to be informed about the efforts of the military and government to combat these threats. How people are being kidnapped in that area needs to be studied. We need to be aware so that citizens can be cautious of every of their movement.
Citizens have a right to know the truth about the security situation and the measures being taken to protect them. The conflict has led to displacement, loss of lives, and properties, and economic hardship, making it essential for citizens to be informed and engaged in finding solutions. The unknown gunmen killing the farmers in the Northern part of the country resulting in food scarcity must be broadcasted for every citizen to be in the known.
Why do I prefer 247 News?
Keeping citizens in the dark only serves the interests of those in power who want to maintain the status quo. 247 News and other media outlets need to continue exposing the truth and holding those in power accountable. By doing so, citizens can make informed decisions, participate in the democratic process, and demand better governance.
Is it our right? Yes, it is.
Citizens have a right to know everything that goes on in our country, no matter how devastating the news might be. It is only through transparency and accountability that Nigeria can move forward and develop as a country.
I urge all citizens to demand our right to information and to support media outlets that are committed to truth-telling. Together, we can build a more informed, engaged, and prosperous Nigeria.
Nigeria we hail thee!
Help us build a Nation where no man is oppressed and so with peace and plenty. Nigeria shall be blessed!
Another banger from the #hivelearners writing contest on 247 NEWS
Images are sourced carefully.
Thank you for reading 💕
Agreed to your point of view but is every citizen that much enthusiastic to bring a change or question the authorities?
Congratulations, you received an ecency upvote through the curator @ahmedhayat
Not really questioning the authority but at least one must be in the known of the things going on around them.
Thanks for your contribution 🤗
All citizens deserve to know how they are being led and the policies their nation operates. Keeping information from the citizens would-be suicidal. Hence, the government owes it a point of duty to give information rather than keep it secret.
In the real sense, nothing is secret. For the government not br termed biased, information should be shared along all lines.
Exactly my thoughts, why should we not be informed?
We must know it all whether good or bad, we must be fully aware.
Thanks for your contribution @mrenglish
I also believe information should be shared so that the government won't be tagged biased
Yes, exactly 👍
Thanks for your contribution
You are welcome
I also believe that with the right information passed, it would make the country a better place to live as each and every now and then the people are well informed about the happenings of their beloved country.
Oh yeah..
Thank you for agreeing with me🤗
My pleasure 😊