By Basheer Luqman Olarewaju, anipr
As the heated debate over a proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria rages on, it is vital that we, as Nigerian youths, exercise caution and engage in a sober, measured analysis of the potential consequences of such an action. The allure of “revolution” can be seductive, but history has shown that the aftermath of social upheaval is often messy, protracted, and marked by unintended consequences.
To borrow a page from the experiences of other countries, let’s examine Egypt and the Arab Spring. In 2011, a similar spirit of discontent swept across the region, sparking mass demonstrations and ultimately, a change in leadership.
However, the initial euphoria was short-lived as the political landscape rapidly devolved into instability, insecurity, and economic turmoil. Despite the toppling of a long-standing authoritarian regime, the aftermath was marked by power struggles, economic stagnation, and a marked decline in human rights. The situation in Egypt remains fraught to this day, a cautionary tale that serves as a grim reminder of the need for nuance and foresight in times of political unrest.
Another case study is that of Venezuela, where widespread protests in 2014 led to the ousting of the president. The result?
A country plunged into chaos and deprivation. Inflation soared, shortages of basic goods became commonplace, and violent clashes became a daily occurrence. What began as a legitimate cry for change quickly unravelled into a bleak, harrowing reality.
If we’re looking for an African country that’s grappled with the ramifications of nationwide protests in recent memory, we need to look no further than Kenya. In the aftermath of a hotly contested election, allegations of fraud and ballot stuffing ignited a fiery spark of discontent among the populace. This flame quickly grew into a conflagration, with protests engulfing major cities and the spectre of violence looming large.
While the protests were ultimately quelled, the lasting scars were severe. Several homes were displaced. Lives were lost in the process. The economy suffered, with the tourism sector and small businesses taking a significant hit.
As a sobering reminder of the scars left by nationwide protests, we need only look to the EndSARS movement in 2020. While initially peaceful, the protests devolved into violence, destruction, and widespread looting. More than a dozen people were killed, many more were injured, and the economy took a staggering blow. The EndSARS movement serves as a powerful cautionary tale, a stark reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of mass protests gone awry.
The question then arises: is there an alternative? Rather than risking the potential fallout of a nationwide protest, we could channel our frustrations into the political process, rallying behind leaders and initiatives that align with our vision for the future.
This isn’t to say that our grievances are invalid or that the status quo should remain unchallenged. But change can also come from within the system—through voting, through holding our elected officials peacefully accountable, through pushing for reforms that make a tangible difference in our lives.
We must remember that our power lies not only in our voices and our ability to take to the streets, but also in our collective wisdom, our ability to envision a better tomorrow, and our willingness to work towards that vision.
Dear Nigerians, especially the Youths, in terms of averting or mitigating the potential risks of a nationwide protest in Nigeria, we can definitely, albeit collectively, work towards a few approaches such as:
a. Encourage dialogue: Promoting dialogue and engagement between the government and its citizens can help address grievances and prevent them from escalating into violent protests. This could include nationwide town hall meetings, citizens’ assemblies, and other forms of participatory democracy.
b. Address underlying issues: Identifying and addressing the root causes of unrest, such as poverty, corruption, and inequality, can reduce the likelihood of mass protests. It is our country, we must not kill it.
c. Promote a culture of non-violence: Efforts should be made to promote a culture of non-violent protest and respect for human rights. This can be achieved through the National Orientation Agency and other relevant agencies by adopting sensitization, education, community-based programs, and media campaigns that emphasize the importance of peaceful resolution of conflicts.
d. Improve economic conditions: Improving economic conditions, such as increasing employment opportunities, expanding access to healthcare and education, and reducing poverty, cutting down government expenses on personal gains, can help reduce the underlying tensions that may drive people to protest.
e. Strengthen security forces: Ensuring that security forces are adequately trained and equipped to handle protests in a professional and non-violent manner can help prevent escalation into violence.
f. Social media regulation: No doubt, the advent of the internet has brought new dimensions to citizens’ participation in governance and leadership. Governments can consider regulations that prevent the spread of false information and hate speech on social media platforms, which can contribute to unrest.
g. International support: International organizations can play a role by providing mediation services, assisting with post-conflict reconstruction, and monitoring human rights abuses during a peaceful non-violent protest.
In conclusion, the potential for nationwide protests can have far-reaching consequences for any nation, and Nigeria is no exception. While citizens have the right to peaceful protest, it is essential to consider the potential risks and strive for constructive, non-violent solutions.
By focusing on transparency, institutional strength, economic growth, and social harmony, we can work towards a Nigeria that is more stable, prosperous, and just. Remember, a protest can be a powerful tool for change, but it should be used with caution and prudence.
Hence, I submit by saying; From Protests to Progress: Navigating Nationwide Unrest in Nigeria.
Basheer writes from Ilorin, Kwara State and he can be reached via basheerluqman123@gmail.com
I am in support of using other way to speak out our mind rather than protest. I appreciate all the points you mentioned in the write up as opinions to change the country to better.
Town hall meeting is very essential to take as an importance for our representatives for both house of senate and lower house.
They represent our voices in state and local levels but non of them hear from us before they deliver their selfish interests. They need to consult masses they represented their voices to discuss what Their needs are, in the house.
A better and strict solution should be done to media to eradicate vilification. Bad informations are very cheap on social media nowadays and it attracts attention cos it would share as many. Progressive news would vanished so quick because unwanted has occupied the air on the socia media.