Okay, seriously? i don't think i am someone who wants to become a whistle blower for any government, but yes i do understand why some people do it, If i was to witness a person being taken advantage of, or something very wrong being done to someone, a kind of criminal activity of some sort, yes, i would be really torn between keeping quiet and speaking up. it's not easy actually, because as much as you would want to do the right thing, there is also this fear about, "What will happen next" would it turn back and back fire you? those questions always comes up. This is nigeria, and we know alot of things usually goes wrong when people speak up, a lot of people have lost their jobs, gotten threats and even faced far worst, all because they spoke up for something evil. Me, i feel that before anyone can come up and say that they want to be whistle blowers, they should also weigh the risks, and even then, it takes alot of courage.
Now to the question, If i feel everyone should do It? that's a kind of complicated question, but here it goes..... We all know that, this whistle blowers are the ones that are keeping our system in check, they expose every corruption they find,also injustice or any danger.
See the truth here is that not everyone can do it, not everyone can handle pressure, me cannot and that is why it is good that there should be proper systems in place, It is one thing to want to do the right thing and also, it is another thing if you know that the thing you are going to report is something that can ruin your life, Like after knowing this, would you still want do it? hmmm? that is why Safety measure is the key.
Our authorities need to make sure that these whistle blowers can report any thing without them being afraid, also anonymous reporting channels are really essential when it comes to really critical reporting and stuff, so that the person reporting would not have to reaveal his or her identity, unless they want to, but in this case legal protection must be provider for the whistle blower and his or hehr loved ones.
Seriously there is not point in telling people to speak up for something when there isn't any sort of protection provider, also a kind of support system can also help, like financial or even counselling can help too, cause being a whistle blower is a very stressful thing to do, imagine knowing that what you know can upset those in power, omooo... it could also change one's daily life.
Another thing is to ensure that the whistle blowers are genuine, like you don't want a suitation where people are using the system to spread false information, or using it to settle scores amongst themselves, the evidences needs to be double cross checked , also witnesses consulted, see by doing it this way, the facts are verified and the process remains credible. That way genuine whistle blowers see that their effort in coming out, is not in vain.
I think whistle blowers are like unsung heroes of our society, the ones who are ready to stand up when nobody is, they come out and expose issues and doing this they make the society safer, better and a more honest one, truly it isn't an easy job at all, it is not something taht just anyhow person can stand up and say they want to do, it requires alot. like alot really.
So personally if i was in that kind of suitation, i would want the right system and protection, just knowing my identity is safe is a big plus, well until then alot of persons like me will hesitate, but yea,i would respect anyone willing to go that route.
In all, Whistle blowing is just about being courageous,it is about justice and responsibility, everyone should have the opportunity to speak up safely at anytime, and the authorities should make sure they are protected. yes it is a tough job , but again it is one that brings balance and change to a society.
