Nigerian Politics

Social Media Is Not for the Weak, Senator Shehu Sani Counsels Peter Obi

×

Social Media Is Not for the Weak, Senator Shehu Sani Counsels Peter Obi

Share this article

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a candid reflection on the turbulent nature of social media, Senator Shehu Sani has weighed in on a statement made by Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, who recently suggested that young people are being paid to hurl insults at others online.

HE Excellency Peter Obi

Sani, a vocal commentator and former lawmaker, acknowledged that Obi’s claim holds some truth but pointed out that the phenomenon cuts across political divides, with young supporters of the opposition equally guilty of dishing out vitriol.

Peter Obi’s claim about young people being paid to insult others on social media is not far from the truth,” Sani remarked. “But another side of the truth is that the same insults also come from the young supporters of the opposition.”

Sani, known for his sharp social critiques, painted a grim picture of the digital landscape, describing it as a battleground unfit for the timid. “Social media is not for the faint-hearted. It’s not a street for gentlemen,” he said. “Social media and insults are like 5 and 6—an inseparable pair.”

Social media is not for the faint-hearted. It’s not a street for gentlemen

The senator highlighted the perilous dynamics at play, noting that expressing opinions online often invites fierce backlash, regardless of who is offended. “If you say what the government doesn’t like, you can be targeted; if you say what the opposition doesn’t like, you can be mobbed,” he explained. This, he argued, reflects a broader societal malaise: a growing intolerance for dissenting views and contrary opinions.

“We live in a hostile society,” Sani concluded, emphasizing that the rough-and-tumble nature of social media demands resilience from anyone daring to engage. His comments serve as both a caution and a counsel to Peter Obi and others navigating the volatile world of online discourse.

As political tensions continue to simmer in Nigeria, Sani’s remarks underscore the challenges public figures face in an era where social media amplifies both support and scorn with unrelenting intensity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *