RESONANCE OF VOICES IN NIGERIA
By ARINZE ALINNOR A.
The first time I heard about resonance in a physics class, it made a huge impression on my mind. At that time, I also used to think it meant the same thing as an echo. Resonance was then referred as the sound or other vibration produced in an object by sound or vibrations of a similar frequency from another object. While echo was explained to mean the reflecting of sound off a wall or inside an enclosed space so that noise appears to be repeated. I used to get confused about their meaning then because both had to do with sound vibration or reflection. My physics teacher then had to make it easier for me to understand. He said I should just have in mind ‘one object vibrating and setting one or other objects into vibration’, and that made the difference in my tender mind then.
I have looked at the state of things in the polity, and came to the conclusion that things had remained the way they are because we have had voices with resonance. I have often heard that words are cheap but convictions are rare. The conundrum in the polity was as a result of leaders with voices that had resonance. It is easier to say that many people say one thing that mean a different thing or many things. Words emanating from the corridors of power are not convincing or sure words. They have different interpretations based on where you are. A word from the seat of power (with its resonance) causes vibrations of different magnitude in words and activities in the polity. But my concern is that the vibrations are not of similar frequency, and you cannot call them echoes.
Someone told me that words can have resonance only when the motives and intentions are not genuine otherwise they would produce echoes. The resonance of words or voices in Nigeria had made it a herculean task passing the freedom of information bill. The resonance also prompted public office holders being asked to take the oath of secrecy instead of transparency and openness in governance. Resonance of words in the corridors of power over here had made the public confused about the real state of things and rumours have never ceased to spread even wider than the truth. There would be little or no need for image laundering by the government in power if not for resonance of voices in the polity.
Recently, I heard from some quarters that the present regime in Abuja is just incapable of inspiring any confidence. As one looks at it, the conclusion is quick to well up that vision, focus, drive, commitment, and sense of direction may just be alien terms in whatever they are preoccupied with in Abuja. The last administration and their resonance of voices were better understood because at the end we got the real meaning of their words. The voice of impeachment resonated and meant pulling down anyone that refused to obey the Decider-in-chief. The Decider-in-chief used blackmail, force, intimidation and every crude tool available to execute his plans. The anti-graft agencies were only effective to curb or stop the ambitions of rebellious servants who used to be loyal. There have been different probe panels since the exit of the Decider-in-chief though without tangible results. It is only a pointer that the different voices that resonated during that period were deceptive going by the revelations of the probes.
The present administration had been speaking and there had been resonance of voices. Some are saying that the resonance of voices is a result of the marriage of strange partners orchestrated by the last administration in the choice of its successor. But I beg to differ. The resonance can only be possible when people speak what they do not mean or what they do not have the gut to do. The Rule of law has been shouted on the roof tops before now. But the same administration seems to do things at variance with the rule of Law. Some have attributed this to the inability to interpret certain clauses of our constitution correctly. May be we have to sue the Attorney General of the Federation and the legislature at the “Peoples Court” for inability or inaction in ensuring clarity and enthronement of constitutionality in the affairs of the government of the day.
We are almost two years into this administration but without clarity of statements; just resonance of voices. Let us avoid the scenario that prompted the oath of secrecy in the presidency last year when the voices of S. G. F, the Minister of Information, the presidential spokes man, and other aides of the presidency resonated and were at variance with each other. That kind of resonance of voices can cause chaos in the polity. We have enthroned civil rule but yet to enthrone democracy. Democracy is devoid of resonance of voices in the corridors of power. Transparency and openness are part of the norms of democracy but it is not yet in operation here. It is time to enthrone democracy, and the ‘real’ rule of law. It is time to stop this mad resonance of voices. Transparency and openness can exalt Nigeria, but the resonance of voices and the oath of secrecy is a reproach to our nation.
ARINZE ALINNOR A.
P. O. BOX 17985, IKEJA - LAGOS.
08033001782, 01-8964893
arinze198@gmail.com
www.arinze198.wordpress.com
