From Facebook to Aso Rock: The Influence of Voice and Fate

I recently engaged in a discussion with my friend, Comrade Mahmud Muhammad, who currently holds the position of Personal Assistant on Domestic Affairs to the President at the Vice President's office. Curious about how he first came to know his superior, Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON, I posed the question.

To my surprise, rather than the anticipated tale involving elite political networks, Mahmud revealed that he first connected with the Vice President through Facebook.

Indeed, Facebook.

Mahmud explained that he has been a longtime admirer of Kashim Shettima’s leadership abilities, tracing this back to Shettima's tenure as the Governor of Borno State. During a period when the state was severely affected by insurgency, Mahmud took the initiative to frequently document the governor’s developmental efforts and resilience amidst the chaos.

His writings stemmed not from a desire for acknowledgment or reward but from a deep-rooted faith in a leader he felt merited recognition.

As fate would have it, his dedication did not go unnoticed.

It is unclear whether it was the Vice President himself or someone from his circle who recognized Mahmud's persistent advocacy, but he soon received an invitation to the Government House in Borno State. This led to his appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor, which marked the start of a transformative journey with Kashim Shettima, extending from the Government House in Borno to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

This narrative sounds like a scene from a film.

Yet, it is indeed real and serves as a source of inspiration.

Beyond the serendipitous elements of Comrade Mahmud's journey lies a significant lesson about the vast potential of social media to influence lives.

In our contemporary digital landscape, platforms such as Facebook have transformed into formidable instruments that can either elevate or detract from an individual’s path. A single post, a consistent message, or a well- defined viewpoint can either unlock unimagined prospects or hinder them just as swiftly.

Mahmud grasped this concept, perhaps even without full awareness at that moment. He resolved to utilize his platform not for hostility or empty chatter, but for constructive interaction. He recognized leadership he believed in and expressed his opinions with clarity, respect, and consistency. This seemingly straightforward choice set him apart from the crowd.

However, it is crucial to clarify that social media should not devolve into a mere arena for blind praise. A robust society flourishes on constructive critiques. Political leaders should be held accountable, and citizens must persist in asserting their voices.

Nonetheless, there exists a discernible and unambiguous distinction between constructive criticism and damaging negativity. One aims to build up; the other focuses solely on destruction.

While one is largely motivated by a pursuit of improvement, the other thrives on toxic emotions of anger, bias, and spite.

We must strive to maintain a delicate equilibrium: to critique without malice, question without disdain, and disagree without descending into insult. In our efforts to highlight shortcomings, we should also possess the integrity to acknowledge what is functioning well. This reflects mature behavior, both individually and collectively as a society.

Comrade Mahmud's experience serves as a subtle caution to those who use anonymity or digital distance as a shield to disparage and demean others without cause. The reality is straightforward: one never knows where their fortune may originate.

The individual you disregard today might very well become the one who facilitates your success tomorrow. The world, as the saying goes, is a small one, and in the realm of social media, it has become even more interconnected. Words travel swiftly, impressions endure longer, and reputations are constructed or dismantled in real-time.

I am often reminded of the story of Ory Okolloh, a young Kenyan lawyer and blogger who, following the tumultuous 2007 elections in Kenya, utilized her platform to document the widespread violence and disorder. When her safety necessitated her flight from Nairobi, she continued to report from abroad, ensuring that the narrative persisted. Her unwavering commitment to digital documentation ultimately garnered the attention of Google, leading to her appointment as Policy Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, where she has since influenced policy discussions across the continent.

May our online presence and efforts foster opportunities that empower us to make positive changes in our local environments.

In a sense, Comrade Mahmud’s tale challenges the enduring notion that in Nigeria, success requires connections to influential figures. It powerfully underscores that dedication, sincerity, and consistency can open doors that even influential networks may struggle to unlock.

The late statesman Aminu Kano famously stated that Nigeria will not experience true peace until a child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.

In various respects, Mahmud's journey is a quiet yet profound affirmation that such a Nigeria is not merely an aspiration; it is a reality unfolding, one story at a time. His experience reinforces a universal truth that resonates across all cultures and eras: the diligent hand eventually finds its way to the courts of kings.

Mahmud did just that. His journey is not solely one of chance; it reflects intentionality. And perhaps that serves as the ultimate lesson: in a world where everyone has a voice, our choices in utilizing our platforms will significantly define the extent of our reach.