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America is the greatest country in the world today because it is the largest experimentation station on earth. People from all over the world bring their ideas here, put them to test, and implement them to work. America is also Sodom and Gomorrah, where good, bad, and ugly things thrive. All things are supposed to operate within the confines of the set rules and laws of the land, but sometimes they do not.
The Nigerian Village Square, like America, is supposed to be a melting pot of ideas. It is like an institution of learning, where people exchange ideas and gain information, especially on matters and issues affecting Nigeria. Because NVS is a melting pot of ideas, it has also become a potential war zone, where people fight and argue to defend their opinions. The beauty of it is that unlike a war zone, nobody is shot or killed during the exchange of war of words. You may get eggs all over your face…, which is okay; you can always wash them off when you take a shower!
The first time I accidentally came across the NVS blog on internet, I was impressed by the wealth and quality of articles that were posted on the blog. I knew right away that this was what I had wanted, and where to associate myself. Like a taste of good wine, I became addicted to the blog, made it my home page, and signed up to become a member. Since then, I have contributed a few articles of mine; in fact, this is my ninth article so far. I honestly praise the architects of this enterprise. Like every excellent endeavor, NVS deserves the awards it has won so far. I absolutely believe that NVS deserves more awards of excellence.
My analysis of most of the articles I have read shows that they cut across all spectrums of issues affecting our country, Nigeria in particular, and our personal life experiences in general. Most of these articles addressed political issues of our time; others discussed social issues such as moral and religious problems in Nigeria, as well as articles on foreign issues too.
To elaborate more on these articles, some of these articles are very entertaining and humorous; others are aimed at soul searching and healings. Some articles are agitating, and very provocative, while some are very informative and challenging. Most of the articles tend to be solution oriented, and some try to highlight the problems in Nigeria. The articles are well articulated and constructed, very few of these articles are in disarray. I read some that are very controversial. Some articles tend to be uplifting, and some very demoralizing. It was difficult to find an article without any built in bias by the author. The ones that are more technical need further clarifications for some of us to understand. But that is what the Square is all about, a melting pot of ideas, and that is okay with me.
A close study of the reactions and rebuttals to these articles by the critics reveals another interesting analysis of their behaviors.
Some of the critiques are constructive and intelligent. Some of the critics make funny comments that are hilarious. Some are like attack dogs; they exhibit the same stance like hungry dogs on a butcher block, especially when they criticize an article that opposes their viewpoints.
Among these critics, there are the nattering nabobs of negativism, who cannot find anything positive in any article.
Some critics are verbose, and like empty vessels, they make the most noise. Others are arrogant and pompous in their critiques, especially when they feel that some of the articles fail to meet their standards. Like good teachers, some of the critics will try to stir the writer on the right course of the arguments.
Some critics are envious and malicious, and cannot condescend to give credit to writers for articles well written; I guess they wished they were the authors of the good articles.
There are the peacemakers among the critics; this group does not want any part of the warring parties or family feud. They want to settle the scores immediately, and are ready to move on.
There are the disgruntled elements, who complain about lengthy and borrowing articles. It is true, some of these articles are lengthy, and you can easily lose your interest if they are not captivating.
Some critics can dish it out, but cannot take it. I call those critics wimps. Some are like robots; they do not have opinions of their own. They wait to take matching orders from somebody, and I call them lapdogs.
Some critics from the tone of their comments seem to enjoy their comfort zone as tenured villagers, and expect the authors, especially the Journey Just Come (JJC), to worship and take orders from them.
Please do not ask me to mention names, because that will be a violation of one of the tenets of the NVS. You know what clearly describes your attitude.
Before some critics walk the author to the gallows, let me make it clear that I am not advocating censorship of opinions. NO, I am for freedom of speech. First, read the title and understand where the writer is coming from. The quickest way to destroy NVS is to squash freedom of expression, and I absolutely do not endorse it.
All these diverse characters are what make the Square exciting and addictive to the members, readers, and the audience. They also serve as a warning to potential authors to beware of the jungle out there, as they contemplate posting their articles. Be warned that it is an open game, and any villager can challenge your ideas.
I stand to be corrected; most of the writers have identified CORRUPTION by our leaders and politicians, as the number one problem in Nigeria today. They have also called for a genuine electoral reform as an answer to electing the right people to lead Nigeria. Some writers have also called for a total overhaul of our judicial system, and the Nigerian Police Force, as a means to help to combat corruption in our society.
I have no doubt in my mind that Nigerians would like to vote for a leader, who will campaign under the platform to implement genuine electoral reform and overhaul our judicial system and police force. A leader who will implement assets declaration by our politicians and governors, and show genuine transparency in his or her governance.
Since most of these articles address our political problems in Nigeria, I will suggest expanding the circulation of NVS to target more Nigerian audience, especially our leaders and politicians. These elites are the movers and shakers of our policies. Some of them do not know how to use computers, how much more knowing how to access internet to search for NVS blog.
I would like to suggest for a more aggressive circulation of hard copies of NVS newsletters and articles. Establish circulation stands and posts at ASU ROCK, government houses, and establishments, so that we can start getting some feedback from those that matter. Also, make these hard copies of NVS available to our university students and Nigerian public, who do not have computers and cannot access the internet. People have to be educated and be well informed. That is how to start a true revolution.
There are other issues that are pertinent to all Nigerians such as: how to distribute and wisely utilize the Nigerian oil revenue, how to stop the hostage taking and other disturbances in the oil producing states, how to stop the persecution of non-Muslim and Christians in northern Nigeria, and unemployment among graduates and other school leavers in the country. Many writers have addressed these issues repeatedly, but not exhaustedly. Until our leaders have genuinely addressed them, we will not let down our guards.
For madam speaker, Ms Patricia Etteh to resign her post as the speaker of the house under pressure, and for the supreme court of Nigeria to nullify some governors who got to office through fraudulent elections, are steps in the right direction, and calls for celebration.
GOD SAVE NIGERIA FOR WE ARE ALREADY BLESSED.
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Posted by Robot| 01.11.2007 09:51