National Issues
Nigeria Took My Voice Away -By Gloria Ogo
Nigeria took away my voice. The most precious thing a writer could have -my voice- taken from me, and the same Nigerians told not to make a ruckus about it each time I tried to point out that an abnormally that was being done to me.
Several days ago, the media was agog with Uju Anya and her tweet about the queen’s death. A tweet that was further radicalized after the Executive Chairman of Amazon, Jeff Bezoz, retweeted a disguised reprimand.
I am not here to talk about the queen’s death. Neither am I here to dissect its significance or non-significance to Nigeria, her marginalized Biafrans, or the widespread unrest in a country that is obviously not working
Today, I am more concerned about the fact that Uju Anya’s post went viral with her name. Only the wise and learned will understand that this pondering comes from a place of wonderment and bafflement.
To clarify two things. No, I am not hurt, neither do I begrudge Nigeria or Nigerians.
I am simply a writer, and for this lone sake, I must say the things I believe need to be said.
Nigeria took away my voice. The most precious thing a writer could have -my voice- taken from me, and the same Nigerians told not to make a ruckus about it each time I tried to point out that an abnormally that was being done to me.
Not once, not twice, not thrice.
On numerous occasions, my works and articles had gone viral with the tag “one lady” or “… unknown writer” or if too good to be true, they give it to a known writer.
Every time I tried to speak up, a lot of Nigerians hushed me. They silenced me. They said it was okay that my voice -as a writer- was taken and given to another, or as an anonymous. According to them, the message is all that matters, not the deliverer.
Let us for a moment imagine Uju Anya’s tweet went viral with the wrong name.
Can damage control return in its truest form the impact of the awareness and virality to the original writer?
There are Nigerians who have stood by me. They have put in time and effort to vigorously correct these errors.
I thank them.
I appreciate them.
Today, I am in a place where voices are appreciated.
Where respect is given to speakers.
And I say,
may all our voices be heard
May I speak and be heard
May we speak and always matter.
