Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, has warned Nigerians to be cautious of individuals who misrepresent personal opinions as the collective voice of the nation, as the country approaches another election period.
In a post on X on Thursday, Keyamo described it as “amusing” that some journalists, opposition figures, and self-styled activists consistently project their personal biases as the will of “the Nigerian people” without any credible mechanism for gauging public sentiment. He questioned, “How and where did they aggregate the views of ‘the Nigerian people’?”
The minister noted that those often portrayed as speaking for the public are usually a small, recurring group of protesters, media commentators, and political actors. He specifically cited people who gather at the entrance of the National Assembly, lawmakers who oppose majority votes in parliamentary proceedings, and a handful of commentators frequently appearing on television and social media.
“Perhaps, by ‘the Nigerian people,’ they mean the usual suspects posing at the National Assembly entrance; or the 15 senators who voted against the majority of 94; or the less than 25 members of the House of Representatives who walked out on the majority of over 300 members,” Keyamo wrote.
He also criticized the reliance of some commentators on social media reactions and television appearances as proof of public opinion.
Urging vigilance, the minister advised Nigerians not to be misled by individuals claiming neutrality in political discussions. “Nigerians should be alert as we enter an election season,” he said.
Keyamo further alleged that many journalists and self-proclaimed neutral commentators secretly support political interests. “Some journalists and almost every so-called ‘neutral’ commentator or activist you see or hear in the media are all working for one interest or the other; they just don’t have the courage to openly declare the political party or candidate they support,” he added.
His remarks come amid heightened political debates and public scrutiny over recent legislative and electoral developments.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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