As Nigeria celebrates her 57th Independence Anniversary, Malam Ibrahim Bature; a politician, philanthropist and activist is still in custody. His crime was the release of a video clip on his Facebook wall in which he criticises the Proposed loan of $110m from Islamic Development Bank for the renovation and construction of Health care centres across the state by the Masari led administration. Although, Bature later removed the video and apologised, the activist has been in detention for about six weeks now. He spent the Eid-el-kabir festives and the 30th anniversary of Katsina state in prison.
The Masari led administration, more than the ones that came before it, gained notoriety for ruthlessly dealing with dissent voices. Some time last year, similar incident happened to two activists; Jamil Ismail Mabai and Comr. Bishir Dauda.They were charged to court before they regained their freedom. Ironically however, the APC under the guise of change mantra has been the biggest beneficiary of Social media for it accorded them the opportunity to spread campaign propaganda and reach out to the multitude users on the platforms(Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp).They made extensive use of social media to ferociously attacked the former administration. They are now in power, using state apparatus to suppress those that follow the same route.
The arrest and detention of Malam Ibrahim Bature under any guise can not be justified. This administration is giving the opposition a live ammunition to fire at them. Why arresting a man for exercising his constitutional right. It is an injustice that should be condemned by every discerning mind.
This administration needs a vibrant opposition and critics for it to succeed. They are the ones to put those in power on their toes. For APC government to achieve her campaign promises, it certainly needs the support of social media community, who will be there, constantly reminding the government on the numerous campaign promises and at the same time enlightening the public about the efforts of the government.We should remember the role played by the social media in the victory of APC and they could also play the same role In seeing to its downfall. This administration need a friendly social Media community not a hostile one; for when it united against this administration, the heat would be too much to bear.
Some say Masari has no hand in the arrest. Much as I want to agree with this, my conscience is telling me the direct opposite. His Excellency may not be directly behind or even aware of the arrest at the beginning. But he must be aware by now and the refusal to release the man, made the governor an accomplice. As the chief security officer of the state, the buck stop at his desk.
This Administration need to thread with caution, it should be conscious of public perception. Once the issue became national, as it is beginning to, it will soon generate global attention. The statement released last week by the Arewa Youths Council, Condemning the arrest and call for the immediate release of Malam Ibrahim Bature is just the starting point. It will bring too much heat than the administration could bear and the consequence will be disastrous. We have the ''cockroaches'' saga to serve as an example.
Just of recent a similar incident to that of Bature happened in Gombe State, the Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo ordered the immediate release of the accused and apologized to him. He promised to investigate and dealt with the perpetrators. This singular act of statesmanship exhibited by Dankwambo earn him my respect and that of many people including his traducers.
Media Aides:
Much of the blame for the unfortunate development in my dear state, Katsina has been attributed to the handlers of His Excellency. As media aide to a politician be it New or conventional Media, you are first and foremost an image-maker.
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