The planned protest, scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, has sparked concerns about the potential negative impact on Nigeria. Though the organizers of the protest remain unknown, the issue at hand affects millions of Nigerians. Hunger, insecurity, and rising costs of living have become pressing issues that require immediate attention.
By Usman Mohammed Binji
While protests are a way for citizens to express their grievances, history has shown that they can have devastating effects on countries. In many African countries and beyond, protests have led to violence, destruction, and the collapse of governments. It is, therefore, important to take a comprehensive look at the potential consequences of the planned protest and explore ways to avert them.
One example of a country that suffered the negative impact of protests is Libya. In 2011, protests erupted across the country, calling for the removal of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The protests quickly turned violent, leading to a civil war that lasted for months. The war resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and the eventual collapse of the government. The country has since been plagued by instability, violence, and the rise of extremist groups.
Another example is Egypt, where protests in 2011 led to the removal of President Hosni Mubarak. However, the aftermath of the protests saw the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, followed by a military coup that toppled the democratically elected government.
In Nigeria, protests in the past have also resulted in violence and destruction. In 2020, the EndSARS protests, which started peacefully, turned violent, leading to the loss of lives and property. The aftermath of the protests also saw a rise in criminal activities and insecurity in some parts of the country.
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The protest in Sudan is another example of a protest that had a significant impact on the country. In 2018, protests erupted across Sudan, calling for the removal of then-President Omar al-Bashir, who had been in power for over 30 years. The protests were initially triggered by the rising cost of living and deteriorating economic conditions in the country.
The protests quickly turned violent, with security forces using live ammunition to disperse protesters. The violent crackdown led to the deaths of dozens of people and the arrest of many others. However, the protests continued, and the pressure on the government eventually led to the removal of al-Bashir from power in April 2019. Following al-Bashir’s removal, the military took control of the country, leading to more protests and violence. The protesters demanded a civilian-led transitional government, which was eventually established in August 2019.
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It is apt to note that Mahatma Gandhi, an Indian independence activist, in his famous book, “The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” wrote extensively on the need to avoid violence in the pursuit of social and political change. He believed that violence only leads to more suffering and that nonviolent methods of protest are more likely to achieve lasting change. Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence was instrumental to the Indian independence movement and has inspired many other social and political movements around the world.
In the context of the planned protest in Nigeria, it is important to heed Gandhi’s advice and avoid violence or any actions that could lead to instability or destruction. The organizers of the protest should explore nonviolent means of expressing their grievances and engage constructively with the government to address their concerns.
On its part, the government must address the issues that have led to the planned protest, including hunger, insecurity, and the rising cost of living. Investment in critical infrastructure, agriculture, job creation, and the promotion of small businesses are some of the ways the government can address these issues.
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Although the organizers of the protest are unknown, the government should work towards addressing the demands purportedly penciled by the organizers of the planned protest, including reversing the removal of subsidies, which has led to an increase in the cost of living and made it more difficult for many Nigerians to afford necessities like food and fuel. Additionally, opening the borders to allow the importation of food items is essential, as it will increase the supply of food and help to lower prices. This will provide relief to many Nigerians who are struggling to put food on the table.
The government must address the issue of insecurity, which has been a major concern for Nigerians. This includes providing adequate funding and resources to the security agencies, implementing community policing, and addressing the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.
By taking these steps, the government can avoid anarchy and lawlessness, meet the demands of Nigerians, and create a more prosperous and secure future for the country.
Of course, protests can be a powerful tool for expressing grievances, but history has shown that they can also have devastating consequences. The planned protest in Nigeria should be viewed as an opportunity for the government to address the issues that have led to it. As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine,” and it is vital that we act quickly to prevent any potential damage that may arise from this protest.
Binji is Sokoto-based journalist
