TRUTH............A special platform?

It is amazing that we seem not to get it. We still see the truth and argue about it. To make matters worse, some will decide to call it grey when it is obviously black or white.

For my generation, we still find it pretty hard to speak out either for the fear of being victimized, being exposed for a past wrong doing or even blackmailed. Some just simply refuse to speak out so they don’t loose out on some favour or another especially when speaking the truth will be against someone who they see as their benefactor.

In some cases, some are either here or there as they keep contradicting themselves through statements they utter. Speaking from both sides of the mouth is what I frequently see and this keeps me asking if we really know where we are heading as the supposed leaders of tomorrow.

The one which really gets at me is when someone speak the truth and some others in some quarters who are not even ready to speak out will dare lend their voices of criticism to the one who against all odds have chosen to be the mouth piece of the oppressed.

A critical example is that of Pastor Tunde Bakare. I am a firm believer of the truth being spoken at all times regardless of the platform. I tell anyone who cares to listen that I am a Christian but will listen to an Imam if he speaks the truth. I believe that what public officials need know is the real perception of the public about them but what they seem to always hear is their praises being sung like they have got no flaws and this is where we all get it wrong. It is sad enough that back in their offices, the fear of being intimidated will prevent their subordinates and beneficiaries from telling the truth which is why I subscribe to the fact that we who have got no stake should not be afraid to speak out and let these people know what exactly the electorates feel about them.

If Pastor Tunde Bakare uses his public platform which is the pulpit to drive home the hard facts and enlighten the uninformed Nigerian whilst keeping the politicians and public office holders on their feet simultaneously, then I expect everyone who have got the platform of influence including my Pastor to follow suit rather than tell them what they want to hear at the expense of the masses just because of the gratification which comes in whatever form ranging from money to connections.

I cringe whenever I hear heated debates especially where some youths will engage themselves just because some still refuse to see the sense behind informative messages just because the chosen place of dissemination is the pulpit. Regardless, I am of the opinion that the message is always more important than the platform as long as the intention is for the common benefit of us all. I keep asking those who have got a problem with Pastor Tunde Bakare’s eye opening messages if they have forgotten about Martin Luther King II who was a Reverend and used his influence to educate the people who in turn used the knowledge amassed in joining the fight for the black race in America.

If we keep being choosy about the right platform to speak out, then I am afraid we shall continue to remain in the dark about the truth as the perfect platform will never come.