[katampe]

Alternative media is a tool for advocacy and it has empowered citizens in a democratic society to counter government propaganda. But then democracy is also a tool that enables participation of all stakeholders. As such, I won't encourage spying, neither would I encourage clandestine activities by Segun Adeniyi.

Internet and its associated media gives him an opportunity to reach a mass audience hitherto forgotten by policy makers. The low level of robust discussion within Nigeria's public space, especially the way traditional media frames debate has made it necessary that citizens move to the web and collectively frame issues.Unlike the TV, and the newspaper that speaks at you, this new medium is interactive - it is real time, and everyone has an opinion to share and can participate in the dialogue. It has a feedback mechanism.

Technology has empowered citizens to be participants and commentators without making of choices earlier reserved for editors of newspapers. It is a liberating form of communication.Hence, the notion and the practices of traditional media practitioners have to be shed. They should embrace debate and through forums like this learn in record time the culture of democracy.

Segun Adeniyi should participate in debates if he can, it helps serve as psychological relief for many frustrated Nigerians ( those that have ideas and those that think they have) to participate in a free for all exchange. It is Segun's way of being accountable to the masses , or stakeholders in the project called Nigeria.

It is encourages openness, transparency and accountability in information dissemination. It is through debate that we can know the weakness or strengths of a policy.

As an aside,

I didn't think you did too badly here Uche, but your main argument might be misplaced. Segun Adeniyi should at every opportunity hold himself up for scrutinity. It helps the culture of democracy thrive better in our society. Sometimes people forget it is not about the person, but about the office he represents.