It is important to note that various systems of government exist in different countries. For example, the United Kingdom operates a monarchical system of government, while the United States operates a parliamentary system. Each country adopts the one that best suits its citizens’ needs and national interests. Over the years, some nations have changed to different systems due to their weaknesses. When it comes to prioritizing the rights and interests of citizens, a critical question arises; do citizens have the right to know everything happening in their country, even if the information might be devastating? Or is it better to limit their knowledge to maintain peace?
I'm a citizen of Nigeria, so I'll be using my country as a case study in this post. My country operates a democratic system of government, in which power is vested in the people. Unlike dictatorships, the voices of the people are heard and represented. Power is held by the people and leaders are accountable to the people. In a democratic society, citizens have the right to access information and know what is happening in their country. In other words, it is not right for the government to hide or hoard information that can be beneficial to the growth, development, and safety of citizens.
In a democratic country like Nigeria, citizens have the right to access information about government policies, laws, and decisions that affect their lives and national interests. In Nigeria, the laws that guide the country are clearly written in a rigid Constitution. Citizens have access to them. By knowing these rules, citizens of Nigeria can avoid unintentionally breaking them. Also, citizens have the right to know about government decisions. About a year ago, the Nigerian government made a decision to remove fuel subsidies. As expected of a democratic government, they announced to the citizens about this decision, as it concerns them and affects their lives. This is how a democratic government works. What do you think would happen if the government removed fuel subsidies without informing the people about such an important decision?
Moving on, citizens have the right to know about social and economic projects. For a democratic system to be considered “healthy,” the leaders must be transparent. Their actions must be visible. Citizens should know about projects that affect their lives and communities, such as educational programs, healthcare development, and other important areas. Citizens pay taxes, and it is just right for the government to let them know how their money is being used. Through interviews and social media platforms, the government reveals to its citizens the intended socio and economic projects that affect their lives.
Also, it is important that citizens know about the healthcare system. In other words, citizens have the right to know about things like health equipment, disease outbreaks, and measures to protect them. In 2020, coronavirus, a deadly disease broke out, affecting so many countries and claiming the lives of millions of people. My country also faced the harmful effects, losing so many lives to this disease. As expected, when the disease broke out, the government informed the citizens about it and also the safety measures in place to protect themselves. They enforced safety precautions and provided equipment and medical practitioners, which to an extent helped combat the disease.
Having established that it is crucial for citizens to know the important things that go on in the country, there are limits to what citizens should know. Citizens should not be exposed to sensitive information that can affect their well being negatively. Sensitive information that, if disclosed, could cause harm to individuals, communities, and the country at large. In Nigeria, talking about tribalism can be very sensitive and emotional. People often get upset or defensive when they hear discussions about it. Sadly, many lives have been lost due to tribal conflicts. Citizens should not be allowed to have access to information that could fuel hate or violence. Also, citizens should not have information to personal information of other citizens. Infringing other people’s privacy can bring about harassment and conflict.
Summarily, it is important for citizens to know about the important things that go on in their society, this allows for transparency, growth, and progress. However, the government should know when and where to draw the line. Citizens should not be exposed to sensitive information that can affect their well being negatively.
Thanks for reading.
