Allow peaceful protests amidst hardship

By Rekpene Bassey

As anticipated, various voices have emerged in the debate over whether the nationwide peaceful protest planned for the first week of August, amidst the current socio-economic hardship, should proceed.

Significant individuals and groups have opposed the planned protest, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an Igbo socio-cultural organisation, and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).

Ohanaeze Ndigbo released a statement through Alex Ogbonnia, its publicity secretary, while Mamman Osuman, ACF’s national chairman, spoke on behalf of his group. This stance is echoed by several prominent figures who argue that the protest might not be the best course of action given the current climate.

Other notable figures who have voiced opposition include, senate president Godswill Akpabio, former Edo state governor and NLC chairman Adams Oshiomhole, and the governors of Akwa Ibom, Borno, Cross River, Niger, Lagos, Imo, and Yobe States. In addition, major security institutions such as the Nigeria Police, Defence Headquarters, and the Department of State Services have voiced their opposition.

Key national organisations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and Miyetti Allah, have joined the chorus of dissent following consultations with the presidency.

Whereas the reasons for their opposition vary, their collective apprehensions highlight a significant divide in opinions on how best to address the nation’s growing socioeconomic issues.

Some argue that the protest could lead to instability and threaten national security. They emphasise the potential for violent clashes and disruption of public order. These concerns are echoed by the security institutions, which highlight the challenges of maintaining peace during mass gatherings.

National bodies like CAN and NANS, while typically advocating for social justice and student rights, have cited the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution of grievances, they caution that the protest might undermine ongoing efforts to address the issues at hand. Miyetti Allah, representing a significant interest group, also fears that the protest could exacerbate existing tensions and lead to unintended consequences.

The responses from these elites and institutions range from gentle advisories to more severe threats. Some have, therefore, called for restraint and patience, urging protestors to seek alternative means of expressing their concerns. Others have issued stern warnings, indicating that any attempt to proceed with the protest will be met with strict measures. This mix of caution and coercion reflects the high stakes and the deeply polarised views surrounding the protest.

Interestingly, other regional bodies such as the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Afenifere, a sociopolitical group for the Yoruba people, have maintained a curious silence over the planned protest. This silence has led some to suspect complicity or hidden agendas, raising questions about their true stance on the matter.

Proponents of the protest, non-state actors in particular, however, contend that the suffering among the masses has become unbearable, making protest inevitable. They emphasise their fundamental and inalienable right to protest against what they perceive as the harsh conditions imposed by an insensitive government. For them, the protest is not just a right but a necessary response to the dire economic conditions faced by many Nigerians.

As Nigeria prepares for this nationwide strike in response to growing economic woes, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of peaceful protests in expressing grievances.

The age-old adage, “It is better to vent the spleen than to burst out of bottled-up anger,” rings true in this situation. Suppressing public emotions and concerns can lead to catastrophic consequences while providing an outlet for expression fosters healthier and more constructive dialogue.

It is akin to beating a child mercilessly and then gagging the child from crying. Such actions may only harden the child into deviance and eventually lead to positive rebellion culminating in sinister actions such as insurgency, terrorism, and guerrilla warfare. Numerous group and national instances exemplify this. The dangers of spontaneous, unorganized people’s protests are far greater compared to an organized, peaceful protest by the populace.

The planned protest is a testament to Nigerians’ frustration and desperation as they grapple with rising costs of living, unemployment, and inadequate public services amidst the flamboyant lifestyles of a select few political and other elites. It highlights the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots, a gap that continues to fuel discontent and unrest.

By permitting peaceful protests, the government can prevent the escalation of possible sinister activities. Peaceful expression of anger and concerns prevents resentment buildup, reducing the likelihood of violent outbursts and destructive behavior. This preventive measure can serve as a pressure valve, releasing pent-up frustrations in a controlled and non-destructive manner.

Allowing peaceful protests encourages constructive dialogue and provides a platform for citizens to engage with the government, fostering open and inclusive discussions about challenges and potential solutions.

It can lead to a better understanding of the populace’s needs and prompt the government to take action that aligns more closely with the people’s desires and expectations.

Furthermore, permitting peaceful protests demonstrates a commitment to democratic values. Respecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free speech upholds Nigeria’s democratic principles and shows a commitment to the well-being and voices of its people. It reinforces the idea that the government is accountable to its citizens and responsive to their needs.

Addressing grievances expressed in peaceful protests brings attention to pressing issues, prompting the government to address the root causes of hardship and improve the lives of Nigerians. It shines a spotlight on the areas where the government is falling short and creates a sense of urgency to implement necessary reforms.

The process of addressing these grievances can lead to significant improvements in public services, employment opportunities, and the overall standard of living. It can help to create a more equitable society where the benefits of economic growth are shared more broadly among the population.

As Nigeria faces this critical moment, recognizing the value of peaceful protests is crucial. Pursuing this cause requires decorous conduct from all parties, including protesters and government officials. Both sides must commit to maintaining peace and order, ensuring that the protests do not devolve into violence or chaos.

By allowing citizens to vent their spleen, the government can work towards a more harmonious and prosperous society where voices are heard, and concerns are peacefully addressed. This approach can help to build trust between the government and its citizens, fostering a more cooperative and less adversarial relationship.

In conclusion, the right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic society and should be upheld even in times of hardship. It provides a necessary outlet for public discontent and plays a vital role in ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs of its people.

By embracing peaceful protests, Nigeria can move towards a future where dialogue and cooperation prevail over conflict and discord. Otherwise, Nigeria would remain a dangerous place so long as some people prefer to look on in silence in the face of decline, oppression, and injustice.

Rekpene Bassey is the President of the African Council on Narcotics (ACON). He is also a Security and Drug Prevention Expert.