Many Nigerians online react from the heart before they think with the head. Social media in Nigeria is sentimental, emotional and easily polarised — and this makes the crowd vulnerable to manipulation. I wrote this not to pick a side in any single controversy, but to hold a mirror up to how we process information and to urge institutions — especially the military and police — to meet Nigerians where they are: in the light.
The problem: feelings first, facts second
Too many online conversations in Nigeria are driven by emotion. Once a narrative takes hold — pro or against — facts struggle to gain traction. People who already dislike an individual will dismiss any defense; people who support someone will refuse to believe inconvenient evidence. That’s why I say: Nigerians are part of the problem. We are hardworking, resilient and compassionate — but we are not, collectively, rigorous in how we weigh facts.
Visibility beats substance
In the court of Nigerian social media, visibility often matters more than capability. Whoever masterfully sets the ring light usually “wins.” During the Ned vs. Regina episode I predicted this — the person who controlled presentation and optics won public opinion. Visibility — the ring lights, the viral clips, the polished accounts — trumps the quiet, sustained work of institutions and professionals.
A call to the security institutions
I design tracking devices and have trained governments across Africa. I know civilian capability; I also know its limits compared with state-level militaries. No civilian I know — including myself and Harrison — has the range, tools or resources of the Nigerian Armed Forces or other state intelligence units.
Which is why I propose this simple idea: the Nigerian military and police must create content that shows their capabilities. If civilians and opportunists keep owning the narrative through polished optics, public trust and relevance will erode for the very institutions that safeguard the nation. Show up. Explain what you do. Use the same channels, the same ring lights, the same storytelling.
How Nigerians should approach online controversies
- Stop operating from extremes. Neutrality is not cowardice; it’s prudence. Sitting in the middle allows for critical analysis without pre-judgment.
- Ask questions, don’t only shout answers. When a new allegation appears, ask: Was this a setup? Why does this pattern repeat? What are the verifiable facts?
- Favor reasoning over reflex. Emotions are human and valid — but they should not be the only currency for judgment. Logic, evidence and time reveal more than outrage.
Why this isn’t about VDM or Harrison
I used a photo of VDM and Harrison to get attention — but this piece is not about them specifically. It’s about our collective behavior online. Trending topics are a classroom; if you use them wisely you can teach lifetime lessons. That is what I aim to do here.
Closing
Calm down. Think critically. Keep an open mind. The truth usually comes into view when emotional smoke clears.
— Charles Awuzie
I use trending topics to teach lifetime lessons.
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