Gone are the days when libraries were Mecca to both young and old who craved and longed for knowledge. But unfortunately today, many contents on social media that do not conform with generally accepted standards of behavior have overtaken and overshadowed the libraries that were known, decades ago, as sanctuary of knowledge where information and enlightenment flowed like water.
Of course social media isn't that bad. There are many who, through social networking, have acquired legal means of livelihood; have promoted legit businesses; have discovered new ideas, and so on. Had there no unnecessary distractions, social media would have been one of the most reliable places to seek and acquire knowledge.
Among the distractions that are difficult to resist by rmany on social media are pranks. Pranks, to many, have become reliefs that calm the feelings of nervousness of large percentage of Nigerians. Some even believe they cannot do away with pranks for they (the pranks) help to soften the hardship they go through in the country.
But do these people ever care to know that some of the pranks they enjoy are detrimental to the wellbeings and health of many that are played pranks on? Or how do one explain the tricks play on people that are hypertensive? Like one popular prankster claimed that one of his pranks landed someone in a hospital. Must we allow this to thrive?
Like we have in Nigeria, there are also pranksters in developed countries, but there are obviously differences between both. Ours are harsh while theirs are most times mild. If pranks are tricks that are to be amusing, why using the same pranks as a threat to others' lives? I have seen some pranks which could damage the health of those who are played tricks on. These pranksters care not as long as their bank accounts grow fat.
In my opinion, it's indecent and perilous to push dangerous and obnoxious pranks or any other offensive contents online without firstly being subjected to scrutiny. Polluting the internet with extremely unpleasant contents is not only inappropriate but is also filthy and obscene.
Recently, one of the Nigerian pranksters, Abdullahi Adisa, popularly known as Trinity guy, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force, over an allegation of sexualizing a minor - an underage girl, whose right was trampled upon - on his viral skit video. The innocent girl, with the consent of her parents, was forced to undergo an unwelcome experience and a sexual harassment.
What could have prompted parents to allow their female child to be sexually abused by a stranger in the name of prank? How much were the parents of the little girl paid to have their child molested and have her subjected to emotional trauma she could live with for the rest of her life? Can we conclude that poverty was on display here?
Immediately the prankster was arrested many have been pleading on his behalf and have been appealing to the judiciary to temper justice with mercy. Isn't this disgusting? They wanted the court to free the skit maker without any punishment for the obnoxious offence against an innocent girl. Did these people care about the psychological effect the offensive prank could cause to the girl"s life?
It's only in Nigeria that we want the rich or the famous to go scot free, but always want the poor or the infamous to get punished for even minor offences. Which decent society does this? Throughout the trial of R Kelly, a famous R&B maestro; no American pleaded on his behalf. America did not spare him for engaging in sexual harassments. He got a deserved punishment. So, why Nigeria should be different? I think it's unkind and hypocritical to plead on behalf of Trinity guy without considering the damage his not-well-thought-out prank had caused to the life of the girl.
I'll only urge the judiciary to do the needful by dispensing a balanced judgement in this case. We should all allow justice to roll down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream. The life of the little girl should be considered when giving verdict. The wrath of law should descend on whoever is found guilty. This, of course, will serve as an example to other pranksters and to the parents who choose money and wealth over the wellness of their children. And the government should make sure that skit makers and their pranks are monitored and regulated.
Ademola 'Bablow' Babalola
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