QUOTES: The Double - Edged Sword

Quote, in its simplest term, is to repeat or copy out what someone else has said. The history of mankind is , no doubt, docked in quotes. In fact, the sages of every century and generation are first introduced to us through quotes. It is an easy way to compel others to share the same worldview as us. We have from time to time quote great politicians, scientists, writers, activists, teachers to mention but a few. The men and women behind these quotes, unarguably, have exercised control over our lives in many instances and directions. We have all been inspired by quotes, either by those of our parents, or grandparents. In all, quotes could influence positively or negatively.

Being aware of its double - edged nature, government, especially, at the top, has learnt to ban some hit songs of maverick musicians to avoid the people from quoting the offensive lyrics. Falz, a lawyer turned rapper, had his "This is Nigeria" banned for churning out " This is Nigeria, look how we living now, everybody be criminal". A good move by the NBC as some have argued. If this had not happened, they contend further, many impressionable youth could view criminality as the means to the end. Olamide and the science student " thing" also collapsed under the whipping of the NBC. One thing is sure, since what we say can become a quote, we have got to check it and check it well.

Essentially, not every quote is made popular by broadcast. In effect, proscribing them may be uneasy. To add to this, the actors of these quotes most times now share a different space with us. Still, it is essential to probe the circumstances and justifications for some of the quotes we have shared unquestioned. It is election time in Nigeria, we will not only witness, sadly, the rain of cash, we will equally be entertained by quotes from political national heroes. Baba Gana Kingibe is today quoted " saving Nigeria is our primary concern, the interest of the Muslims will be handled by the Sultan of Sokoto, while that of the Christians by the CAN president. Quotes are to be probed and subjected to the test of time and circumstances, and not to be gullibly believed or sheepishly concurred with since they can be used as a mind control technique. Time has changed, some have argued. Socio - economic atmosphere, they argue further, is no longer what it was in 1993. The threat of Islamization was not a front burner matter then. Their argument, simply put, quotes should reflect circumstances, times, and eras. Certainly, this position has not gone unscathed as the contrarians believe the quote is forever valid.

The conclusion, therefore, is that, Nigerians must be mentally prepared for the politicians by thinking through the words, statements and promises of the politicians. After all, election will pass, but life may remain the same or go worse, or perhaps get better. May we stay on the alert in this season of quotes.

Samuel Ogunnaike writes from Lagos.