Nigerian Leaders Use Distractions To Cover Up Killings And Hardship – Sowore
Human rights activist and RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, has accused Nigerian leaders of deliberately distracting citizens to divert attention from pressing issues, even as insecurity and hardship worsen across the country.
Speaking during an interview on Nigeria Info, Sowore noted that politicians understand how easily Nigerians can be distracted, often using entertainment, sports, and trending stories to shift focus from governance failures.
He said, “There is a minister of distraction in every government. His job is to throw something in the public space when things are getting too serious.
“Sadly, the mainstream media, because of its inability to innovate on time, has to follow trends. And you (referring to the presenter) were here today talking about weather and what NiMet said will happen in three days, nobody is going to be watching you. But if you can mention Iyabo Ojo spraying Dollars or Naira and going to the EFCC, people are going to rush to you.
“That is the nature of the media, number one. But it is also that the politicians themselves, whether those who are in power or in office, understand that Nigerians are easily distracted. So, they know what to do from time to time.
“I think there is a minister in charge of distraction in every government, and his job is to look at the society and say, everywhere is too quiet, people are getting serious, throw in something.”
He cited the example of the Buhari administration, saying, “Part of the reason I said so is that during the Buhari regime, Buhari was seen to be an extremist person in terms of his Islamic credentials, but how was it that Buhari was happy with BBNaija? They didn’t even do anything to interfere with it. Whenever it comes up, everybody is happy that it was going to take away about three to four months away from life of the country.”
He added, “Nigerian leaders, even though they don’t have local leagues, are all fans of major European or English leagues playing football. Reason is that they love the distraction and they want the distraction to keep coming. Because while the distractions are happening, more people get killed without anyone asking about it. They are increasing tariffs again but people don’t get to ask about socio-political issues. Those distractions are very important to the leaders.
“Last week we were talking about NANS President who was beaten up and injuries on him were very scorching and people were talking about it but suddenly, everybody was moved away from that to talk about VDM arrested by the EFCC, and another will happen.”
Sowore added, “I agree that there is a ministry within the Nigerian government in charge of distractions but the press is not to be blamed. The press is doing what it ought to be doing. Their job is to carry news as they are happening, whether it is somebody dying or somebody getting married or divorced, it is all part of the job of the media.” media.”
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
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