Desmond Elliot, a Nigerian actor turned politician, recently apologized for referring to youths as "children" during the #ENDSARS protest in October 2020. The lawmaker had been heavily criticized on social media for advocating the regulation of social media while reportedly blaming social media influencers and celebrities for the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate.
In his recent appearance on TVC's 'Your View', Elliot clarified that he was not referring to all youths as children but those who were cursing Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on social media. He admitted that his emotions got the better of him and apologized to those who may have misconstrued his comments.
Elliot's apology is commendable, as it takes courage and humility to admit one's mistakes and apologize publicly. However, it also highlights the importance of responsible speech, especially for public figures like politicians and celebrities. The power of their words cannot be underestimated, and they must be mindful of the impact their words can have on society.
Elliot's initial comments were seen as insensitive and dismissive of the struggles of Nigerian youths who have been disproportionately affected by unemployment, poverty, and police brutality. Referring to them as "children" further reinforced the narrative that they were not capable of making informed decisions or contributing to society.
While Elliot may have been referring specifically to those who were cursing on social media, his comments had broader implications, as they contributed to the already strained relationship between Nigerian youths and their political leaders. It is crucial for politicians to listen to the concerns of their constituents and engage with them in a respectful and constructive manner, instead of dismissing them as "children" or "haters."
Moreover, Elliot's comments about the negative impact of social media, while valid to some extent, also raised concerns about censorship and the freedom of speech. Social media has become a powerful tool for activism, as seen during the #ENDSARS protest, where Nigerian youths used social media to mobilize, document police brutality, and raise awareness about their cause.
While there are valid concerns about fake news, hate speech, and cyberbullying on social media, censorship should not be used as a tool to silence dissenting voices or curtail freedom of expression. Instead, there should be more efforts to educate people on responsible social media use and promote digital literacy.
Content created and supplied by: Trendingg (via Opera News )
COMMENTS