By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja –
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, together with the former Minister of Information and Culture, Chief Frank Nweke, among others, unveiled the much anticipated book authored by Dr. Omoniyi P. Ibietan PhD, the head of NCC’s Media Relations.
The book, titled: “Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behavior in Nigeria,” was published by Premium Times Books, the book publishing arm of the Premium Times Group.
Cyber Politics: Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behavior in Nigeria,” published by Premium Times Books
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the 460-page book, spread over 12 chapters, was written to interrogate a critical phase in Nigeria’s democracy through its elections. It situated the new world of cyber politics within the context of Nigeria
The public presentation and launch of the book took place on Tuesday at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora District, Abuja.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Frank Nweke jr, in his remarks, said the book would serve as a reference point for the blueprint on sought for insight and strategies that would greatly impact practical communication and societal transformation in Nigeria.
Chief Nweke, who was the Enugu State Governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said the book serves as a body of work that deftly captures the impact of social media on electoral choices in Nigeria.
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Chief Frank Nweke, giving his remarks at the public presentation of the book on Cyber Politics.
” Having come out of the election myself, I recognise the opportunity provided by social media. But I also worry about its adverse impact, the issues about fake news and their potential, not just to undermine, libel and slander people but to precipitate conflict. So, it is something that government must continue to work on, professional associations need to work on to ensure that society is protected from such hazards”, he added.
“Considering the recent part social media has played in Nigeria’s political history, I strongly recommend this book for practitioners and academicians in the fields of strategic communications, new technologies, politics, and social change.
He however commended the author of the book, saying:
“Dr. Ibietan was my Special Assistant on Media while I was Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Communication. His patriotism, creativity, intellection, and devotion to continuous improvement in the Nigerian condition is rare”.
“He popularised the use of new media in public communication while he worked with me and I am not surprised by his decision and determination to explore, in a very scholarly manner, the intersection of social media and politics, as well as other variables impinging on voting behaviour.
On his part, Prof. Danbatta, lauded the celebrant-author, for joining the league of writers, who has chosen to document his ideas.
“Omoniyi and I have something in common, which is our love for literary work. Am fascinated by the efforts he has put into the production of this book. People who sit down and put their thoughts in writing are some of the most intelligent people in our society and am opportune to put down an excellent foreword for the book”, he said.
Prof. Danbatta, who noted that social media in Nigeria has come to stay, however, lamented the inflammatory contents on social media by politicians to downgrade their opponents which does not add value to the political process as well as the adverse effects on the people’s reading culture.
He said: “NCC doesn’t regulate the content of social media but we regulate the infrastructure in which social media are hosted, ensuring that quality of service and experience are of high standard comparable to any part of the world.
“And today, we have a dedicated staff of the Commission, who have devoted time to write this beautiful book. Perhaps, when you write your next book, you should dedicate a chapter for a responsible way using social media to do politic”, he said.
A cross section of dignitaries at the presentation of Dr. Omoniyi’s book on Cyber Politics
He recommended the book to the audience and assured them that they will not regret reading it.
Speaking on why he embarked on the book project, Dr. Omoniyi, said the book was written out of his passion for research and hopes that history will be kind to him.
“Cyber Politics in Nigeria is fundamentally a subject of research. As we all know, research is intrinsic to the solving of societal problems.
According to him, social media from my survey constituted less than 10 per cent in helping voters to decide who to vote for, adding that social media remains critical but operates in the context of certain mediating factors and influences.
Dr. Omoniyi, further, appreciated the management and staff of NCC, friends and Premium Times Books for their numerous supports which led to the achievement of this giant stride.
Highlights of the event were book review by Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, Editor-in-Chief, Leadership Newspaper, panelists discussion, goodwill messages, photo session with special guests and book signing.
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