Friday, September 17, 2010

Social Media and Politics: Nigeria

According to this week's Economist political news update,

"Goodluck Jonathan, the president of NIGERIA, announced on his Facebook page that he would contest the presidential election next January"

I guess that's one way to state your presidential aspirations... A little light on dignity for me, but whatever works, right?

3 comments:

  1. Hi Elsie,
    unusual indeed! The reason behind this, at least for Zachary (http://africaworksgpz.com/2010/09/16/the-facebook-president/), may be that:
    "By announcing his decision via Facebook, Jonathan is sending a message to Nigeria’s media that he will go around them, if he thinks by speaking directly he can get a fairer deal."
    Interesting sign of the times perhaps...

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  2. I have looked at his Facebook page. He is very active! I don't really know that much about him, but at least based on his Facebook activity he seems pretty allright ;-)

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  3. Hi Manuel, thank you for that link. I think you are right, this is a sign of the times. I was under the impression that traditional media had at least a decade more of political relevance on the continent, but President Goodluck's action is making me reconsider my position like nothing else has.

    @Dr. Bob: Cheers, I'll check it out too. I tend to take politicians' social media accounts with a grain of salt.

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