I am sure by now that globally we have thousands of articles, millions of tweets and also Facebook posts all revolving around the BokoHaram, the Nigerian Government’s incompetency and even the arising protests from around the world. But come to think of it, some sect, mostly religious call the expression of one’s view on the internet following the #BringBackOurGirls campaign an empty deed. I believe this is only said when you take it personal or you fear the power of the internet or you are mostly ignorant.

My Name is Haastrup Steven Adeshope and I am a Nigerian.

Some say why write? Some say why protest? Some even say why not keep confessing and praying that the girls will come back? My response to this group of persons is that who told you we haven’t done that? Besides, the actual truth is that we are too religious to be this messy. Just imagine the Fire Mountains, the Redeemed, the Winners and the Deepers. Who told everyone of you to protest or speak out when the price of PMS jumped up in January 2012? Why weren’t we just advised to confess and get it returned to N97 in our rooms?

In times like these, typing and finding ones expression on the web is as equivalent as talking in real life, because actually your expression on the web echoes farther than your one-on-one or even congregational talks. Bulk of individuals with thousands of tweets and blog-posts most likely post their views on the internet more than they talk real life. Some religious folks are now even saying that, let’s just pray, don’t complain, that it’s stupid to carry placards. I think we need to draw a line between preaching ideologies, personal sentiments and preaching Gods word because to contest ideas and put pressure on ones government to lead the people right can’t be deemed unrighteous.

Anyways, aside that, I just hope we learn to live with the differences of our beliefs and how it works for us. If a pastor says “I hate placards”, I have no problem with that but I have a problem with preaching that ideology and making it sound religiously cool. It’s most ironic that this preachers or advocates have never led their congregation or audience to prayers for the nation.

To the other flank of the divide, if you have been a talker about the horrible state of this nation and have never prayed about them, just take a moment to do so without losing your sense of what is right and rightly demanding for them. Lastly, as you talk about Nigeria online or offline, learn to respect other people’s views and absorb the spirit to tolerate the speech, tweet and blog of one another. Engage responsibly.

Have a great week ahead.

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I am @StevenHaastrup

#SmartStart runs on Omojuwa.com every Monday.

The views expressed above are solely that of the author and not of Omojuwa.com or its associates.