One nation, two destinies!!

By Kabiru Tsakuwa

SIR: Throughout the course of history, the pen has always been described as mightier the sword. And truly, the media have been very powerful tool of propaganda and agenda setting in the contemporary world. To this extent, countries, corporate world and individuals are clamouring to have some form of ownership, given the obvious advantages that accrue out of it.

In Nigeria however, there’s glaring contrast in the perceptions and media tolerance culture among Nigeria elite class. For whereas southern elites have since appreciated the omnipotent power of the media, and have more-often-than-not, deployed it to maximum advantages for the overall development of their region; their northern conservative counterparts are steeped in general media lethargy and apathy.

On that account, conservative north lacks effective media ownership to trumpet and defend her interest.  And activists in the region face both security and existential danger at the slightest infraction. For emphasis, the law of survival requires more circumspection while voicing personal opinion on electronics and print media to avoid courting unpalatable end result. Many examples abound where northern activists have been arrested, intimidated into silence, and/or excommunicated for raising their voices beyond acceptable and tolerable decibels.

Not surprisingly, such media lethargy in the north didn’t stem out of the blues, as northern conservative elite intolerance of divergent views, and contempt for the ordinary person; retrogressive tendencies, and low level of quality and functional educations all contributed into having such backward tendencies. The out-dated and feudal slave-owner hangover still existing in the region is also another strong factor.

In contrast, an average southern elite is progressive minded, highly tolerant of divergent opinion, and has tremendous respect for the people and can go to any length to defend their interest and idiosyncrasies. In addition, whereas  northern elite protects the interest of  his immediate family and members of his inner circle only; an average southern elite so much love his people and can do whatever to see them excel in their many chosen endeavour.

Now to give a graphic example, Kano is facing serious infrastructure deficits. Many roads networks in the metropolis and villages are in dilapidated conditions. Health care delivery is in shambles. Water supply and other basic necessities are almost non-existent. The conditions of primary and secondary schools can better be imagined. In fact, governance in Kano, to say the least, is at the lowest ebb. However, most observers and activists are afraid to report or voice their opinion for fear of the unknown…and that was why, the Nigeria of today comprises of one nation two system, and united but divided entity where citizens of southern extraction enjoys first class status and second class status for the poor northerners. What a pity!

• Kabiru Tsakuwa, Kano.