Efio-Ita Nyok|19 May 2017
A social media user by name Justine Eleshi has waded into the ongoing perceived victimisation of controversial social change agent and University of Calabar lecturer, Mr Joseph Odok Esq., Ph.D in quite an incisive thread where he posits that in categorical terms that victimising Mr Odok is evolving him into a political martyr.
Mr Eleshi who has noted some misgivings in the University don's approach to activism has noted that those jubilating over Odok's suspension seem to have missed the point.
He eulogised Odok for being a model for Nigerian youths where he is a voice and force against an oppressive system. He finally charged the political establishment in the APC to intervene in the present rift between Odok and his employers. Excerpt:
I may not approve of everything he does and writes, but I think Dr Joseph Odok is some rough diamond. Those celebrating his suspension from work are missing the point.
Odok represents today's youth. He represents the aggrieved, agitated, full of energy and rearing to go, young person in Cross River. The difference between him and most is, he found his voice. Even if he is most times uncouth and unmannered in his writing. But that again is attributable to pent up anger. The same most young persons in Cross River and indeed, Nigeria, carries inside them.
Odok represents the oncoming revolt against the current oppressive system whom most like him believe do allow for youth expression and participation in governance. Again his manner of communication may be faulty but overlook what he represents at your own peril. He is the little Chinese guy standing in front of an oncoming armoured car. Remember that story?
We must also be careful with optics. It is instructive that Odok's victimization, as it is now called in quarters, is coming from within his own party, The APC. That is the story out there! The story is about how insensitive we can be. How that Joseph Odok, was a constant irritant on the skin of the ruling PDP government in the state with no repercussions but the moment he does one piece about the University of Calabar, headed by an Associate of the APC in the state, he gets suspended? So much for giving blows we can't receive. It goes to show that our opposition to the government in the state was never based on principle, but was all along hypocritical, selfish and not for reasons beneficial to the party. To imagine that this same Odok was once celebrated at an expanded party stakeholders meeting for his opposition to government!
When Odok wrote against PDP and it's elements, when he stood against misgovernance, he was a hero. Celebrated every where! When he noticed the same ills in APC elements and wrote against, he became a gnat! He is now an irritant that must be taught a lesson! Nothing can be more wrong. This ought to stop!
What Odok needs is mentorship and training on social media advocacy and on a bit of social etiquette, not the sho-sho that he's currently being meted. That is cruel!
The right thing to be done is for all leaders in the Party in Cross River State to mediate in this matter between Odok and his employers, resolve the quarrel and get the youngman to return to his job.
This is my unsolicited two cents on the matter.
—Justine Eleshi
Social Media user.
Should we throw the bath water with the baby inclusive? NegroidHaven is watching as things unfold.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven.org
