Is the Public Square Becoming a Dangerous Place to Stand?

Is the Public Square Becoming a Dangerous Place to Stand?

The events of last week suggest that the public space, both physical and digital, is shifting from a place of exchange to a zone of high risk.
During the White House Correspondents' Association dinner at the Washington Hilton, a gunman opened fire, forcing the Secret Service to evacuate the U.S President. The shooter was killed, and the motive remains under investigation. When the highest level of security can be breached during a social event, it proves that even the most "secure" elite gatherings and country are now porous. This sends a clear message that the public space is no longer just a place for debate; it is a target for disruption.
On digital censorship in Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) recently threatened to sanction stations that broadcast "personal opinions" of anchors. In response, SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have filed a lawsuit to block this move, citing it as a violation of constitutional press freedoms. By targeting opinions, authorities are trying to turn the media into a space where only official narratives are reflected and told.
While the legal battles over speech right rage, Nigeria is pushing for 30% IPv6 compliance by 2030 to bolster cyber-security. Meanwhile, students at OOU are protesting physical insecurity following series of hostel robberies in Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ogun State. This is a growing issue of public and personal security in Nigeria. The public space is becoming a place where you are tracked digitally but unprotected physically.
Today, the loudest person in the room is usually the most vulnerable. The person at the corner of the room also faces similar security threat. In International Relations, security is not just about borders; it is about the individual resilience and private security. From the security breach at the high-level diplomatic dinner in D.C. to the legal dispute over freedom of speech in Nigeria's broadcast commission, the physical and digital stages are increasingly volatile.

✍️Mabel Ogunleye,
Editor-in-chief (E-I-C),
DSNA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BOOK REVIEW "The psychology of money"

Image
"The psychology of money"by Morgan Housel        The book is a captivating exploration of the complex relationship between our minds and money. Housel brings to limelight the psychological biases and behaviors that influence our financial decisions, offering insights that are both practical and profound. He discusses how our emotions, instincts, and past experiences shape our attitudes towards money, often leading to irrational choices and unexpected outcomes.      One key theme in the book is the importance of understanding the difference between being rich and being wealthy. Housel argues that true wealth is not just about having a large bank account, but rather about achieving financial security and freedom. He emphasizes the value of investing in experiences, relationships, and personal growth, rather than just accumulating material possessions.       Another highlight is Housel's exploration of the concept of risk and uncertainty in...
Read more

COUNTRY IN FOCUS: NORTH KOREA

Image
North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country in East Asia that occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. It shares borders with China, a small stretch with Russia, and South Korea, while also lying between the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Its geographical  position, combined with its political stance, makes it one of the most isolated nations in the world. The country was established in 1948 following the division of Korea at the end of WWII, and has since been ruled by the Kim family dynasty,  currently under Kim Jong-un. North Korea operates as a one-party authoritarian state, emphasizing self-reliance, or Juche, as its core ideology. The regime exercises total control over all aspects of life, including media, education, and the economy. North Korea’s economy is state-run and largely underdeveloped, with chronic food shortages and heavy dependence on China. Decades of international sanctions, p...
Read more

Gist- Journey to Ibadan

Image
Eid Kabir na one festive time wey I dey always love, why not? Dat joy wey you dey feel wen you meet your far-far family, friends, and relatives no get part two. Abi na di plenty beef and surplus drinks? Nobody fit miss dis kind adventure o.After my ECN 202 test for Ogba Femi, I just waka go garage sharp-sharp to catch motor go Ibadan. In less dan 10 minutes, di motor don full. You know why? Other people sef dey excited to go house.From garage, pass OUI, Gbongan, Ikire, na so I land for Ibadan (dat city wey get brown roofs). I reach Iwo Road where Micra drivers no gree let trailers move. Even Maruwa, dat three-wheeler, dey try overtake bus. Iwo Road underbridge no be am at all, di place too crowdy. Buyers and sellers don divide di road into two, leave half for trailers, interstate buses, Micra drivers, Keke Napep, and okada to share.You know say dat place no get traffic light or anybody to control di motor dem. But las-las, I see cab wey carry me go Challenge. Normal-normal,...
Read more