Protest Shows Nigerians Desire Meaningful Change – Blessing Afang – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

 Barrister Blessing Joseph Afang is a human rights activist and former investment banker. Barrister Afang, a philanthropist, is Founder, Jessejed Children Foundation, and President, the International Human Rights Protection Service Florida, USA, Nigeria Chapter (IHRPS/F). In this interview with EJIKEME OMENAZU, she speaks on the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest and related issues. Excerpt:

 What is your view on the August 1 to 10 nationwide protest against and governance?

The protest expresses the citi­zen’s dissatisfaction with policies and actions of the government. It highlighted deep seated frustra­tions with bad governance. It is also a constitutional right of citi­zens to protest against government violation of their rights. Peaceful lawful protest can be effective in bringing about social change and political improvements. It is rather unfortunate that the protest turned violent and disruptive, undermin­ing the cause and leading to social unrest.

Would you say the protest was avoid­able?

Yes, the nationwide protest was necessary, but avoidable. The protest highlighted deep-seated frustrations with bad governance, particularly concerning econom­ic policies that have exacerbated hardship for many citizens. A notice of the protest was passed across long before August 1. There have been cries by many organi­sations and individuals calling the attention of the government on these issues and the economic hardship faced by the people. For example, the IHRPS Nigeria, my organisation, took its executives in Abuja to alert the president and the government, informing them of the cries of the people and the hunger and hardships eating up its citizenry exactly on June 27, 2024. Government is very much aware of the hardships but the people want to see the government act and prove they respect their cries and are ready to help them out of these hardships. Government would have used the period to dialogue with citizens and avoid the occur­rence of this protest. I believe in what is called ‘Red Flag’. Once they are glaring, the government should take proactive measures to prevent it while respecting the citizens’ rights to protest as well. The key Is­sues Driving the Protests includes: Economic Hardship: The spike in inflation, particularly food and fuel prices, has severely impacted the cost of living. Core inflation is at 34.19%. This has reduced pur­chasing power and increased the struggle for basic necessities. Gov­ernment Policies: Protesters are demanding the reversal of certain government policies, including fuel price hikes, increased educational fees, and higher electricity tariffs, the Minimum wage, Government choice of spending, etc. They are also calling for greater transpar­ency in government expenditures and salaries. The protest is consti­tutional and a means for citizens to express their grievances and de­mand change. Protests are a way to hold the government accountable for its policies. I always seek to avoid violent protests. In Nigeria, past experiences have shown that hoodlums always hijack peaceful protests for their own selfish inter­ests. That is why the government must be proactive and respond to these cries promptly by consistent dialogue and communication. Let their body language show that they are ready to listen and act for the people and respond to their de­mands. Prior to this protest, we at IHRPS Nigeria raised our voices on issues of Food insecurity and other unfriendly government poli­cies. This was captured all over the media and TV stations advising, Suggesting and proffering solu­tions to these issues. We address the President. However, we are still raising our voices, calling and urg­ing for peaceful dialogue and nego­tiations to address the issues. We call on the protesters to dialogue with the government, noting that disruption can further harm the al­ready fragile economy. The protests against bad governance in Nigeria reflect a significant portion of the population’s desire for meaningful change. While the government’s response has included preventive measures and calls for patience, the underlying economic issues contin­ue to fuel discontent. Effective and transparent policy adjustments, along with open communication, may be key to resolving the current tensions.

What is your take on the method adopted by the protesters to prosecute the youths?

The youth were ready and grouped themselves for a peaceful protest. They had a clear message they were matching to deliver to the government .It was meant to be peaceful until force was used on them by security forces who were supposed to be protecting them. Security personnel are supposed to practice and adhere to principles that ensure safety and respect for rights and maintenance of order.

How do you see the attitude of the security agents? Would you say they lived up to expectation before and during the protest?

The outcome of this protest would have had a positive effect, a win-win situation, if it was well controlled and monitored. In some places, security forces failed to protect protesters. They abused and brutalised them. Teargas were thrown at peaceful protesters in an attempt to disperse them and stop them from having a peaceful protest. In some places, protesters were shot and killed by security forces, while in some places like Kano and Kaduna, the protest was hijacked by burglars, thieves and hoodlums who came with a differ­ent motive, stealing and destroying public properties. I expected that the protest would be controlled and monitored, but this did not happen. The security should have priori­tised positive nonviolent methods and avoid force unless absolutely necessary and proportional. They should have used techniques to defuse tension and de-escalate conflict. They should have estab­lished clear communication with protest organisers to understand the planned activities and facilitate a peaceful event. This would have ensured the right to peaceful as­sembly and freedom of expression would have been upheld.

Some groups were organising an­ti-protests during the protest. How do you see this trend?

It is cowardice, pathetic and un­fortunate to see people wallowing in hunger come out to say ‘No’ to protesters. Their action further proved how deep hunger has eaten them up and led them to such a sor­ry stage. To me, their action worked against them because it voiced louder what the protesters came out to convey. The counter protest aimed at influencing public percep­tion to sway people’s opinion. But, this did not go well for them as it became very obvious their cry for food led to that cowardly act.

There were some reported killings, destruction of properties and attacks of protesters in parts of the country, especially in the North. How would you explain this development?

Protests in the north and other parts of the country show a clear display of treachery and wicked­ness. It is very unfortunate and pathetic. The protest was hijacked by hoodlums who resorted to bur­glary, stealing and destruction of property. This is unacceptable. This undermined the cause of the protest.

President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation on the fourth day of the protest. Do you think he really addressed the issues at stake?

⁠President Tinubu speech was supposed to calm the already tensed nation. Initially, it was com­forting and soothing to hear that the president would be addressing the nation in response to the pro­test. His address would douse the tension and probably end the pro­test. That is what came to mind, I mean. But, the president’s speech was like more petrol to the fire. His speech didn’t address the de­mand of the people, did not proffer solutions nor prove that he heard the cry of the people. It fueled the situation and encouraged further protest which we later observed.

Looking at it now, would you say the organisers properly coordinated the protest?

The protest organisers had a good agenda. This was seen by the steps taken to have a peaceful pro­test. A notice of this protest was given. The protesters came out in groups matching with a clear message to deliver. But, in some places like the FCT Abuja, they were thrown teargas by security forces in an attempt to disperse them,some shot and killed while trying to escape. In some places the protest was hijacked by hoodlums, while in some places the protesters marched peacefully and conveyed their messages. However, there is generally a communication gap between security forces and the protest organisers. Communica­tion would have enabled them to understand the planned activities and facilitate a peaceful event. They both would have provided clear, calm and consistent instruc­tion to protesters. Protest had a lot of positive impact if well organised and monitored.

The youths in the South East did not take part in the protest, even though their area has been lacking in terms of good governance. Why do you think they shunned the protest?

The South East youth shunned the protest. I believe it was a delib­erate attempt to send a message to Nigerians who, as widely believed, voted in the present government, just in February last year and now crying bad governance. The South East youth floated and supported a South East candidate at the 2023 presidential election whom they campaigned and believed would have done better. But unfortunate­ly he did not win or I would say as they said he was rigged out. Nige­rians accepted the present govern­ment and for the same Nigerians to call for protest to them is double standard.I strongly believe this made them shun the protest.

Now that the protest seems to have been stopped, or have officially come to an end, what is your advice to Nigerians?

I would advise Nigerians to remain calm and resilient. Their message has been passed. They should continue in patience and trust the government once again. They should watch the steps the government is taking .I am sure they will listen and respond to their demands.

In what way do you think the gov­ernments at all levels should prevent further protests in the near future?

All levels of government should swing to action. They should do what their office stands for. They should address all concerns raised, ensure public safety and maintain public trust. Govern­ment should publicly recognize the protest and the issues raised. They should engage in dialogue, open channels of communica­tion to discuss grievances and potential solutions. They should provide clear information to the public about the government re­sponses to the protest and steps being taken to address the issues raised. Above all, the government should ensure transparency and accountability. This will demon­strate responsiveness, promote Justice and build public trust in the government commitments to addressing citizen’s concerns.