I n recent times, there has been a troubling narrative being spun by those in power and their allies that protests and demonstrations are a threat to our country. As a journalist and an observer of Nigerian politics, it is imperative to set the record straight: the youth are not burning down the country; they are fighting for a better future. The real threat to Nigeria's stability and prosperity lies elsewhere.
The APC's Misleading Tactics
It is not lost on us that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has a history of employing unscrupulous tactics to malign the youth and legitimate protest movements. During the End SARS protests, it was evident that some of the violence and looting were orchestrated by thugs, likely paid by those who wanted to discredit the movement. As someone who was in Lagos during the protests, I witnessed firsthand how the looters were often local miscreants and agberos (street touts), not the peaceful protesters demanding justice and reform.
One striking example was a looter who brazenly offered to sell a stolen television to someone I know. The person wisely declined, and the police eventually recovered some of the looted items. These actions were not representative of the genuine protesters but of a fringe element that the government has failed to address adequately.
Twisting Facts and Painting False Images
It is disheartening to see the government and its supporters twisting facts to suit their inaccurate narratives. Protesting is a civic right enshrined in our constitution, and it is a means for the people to express their dissatisfaction and demand change. This country belongs to all of us, regardless of our ethnic backgrounds. As a proud Yoruba from Osun State, I find it particularly offensive when the government attempts to pit one ethnic group against another to deflect from its failures.
The Real Issues: Mismanagement and Corruption
The truth is, the hardships Nigerians face today are not caused by peaceful protests but by years of mismanagement and corruption by those in power. The government continues to take loans, not for meaningful development, but to fund luxury SUVs, yachts, a presidential jet, and other white elephant projects that have no tangible benefits for the average Nigerian. How has this government improved our lives? Do we buy food cheaper because the president is Yoruba? The answer is a resounding no.
It is infuriating to hear about a government official planning to buy a fourth house in Canada while ordinary Nigerians struggle to make ends meet. These officials are securing their futures abroad while asking us to bear the brunt of their economic mismanagement without protest. This is unacceptable.
The Call for Accountability
It is time to hold the government accountable for its actions. We must stop blaming specific ethnic groups for the country's woes and focus on demanding transparency and good governance. The youth of Nigeria are not the enemy; they are the hope for a better future. They are demanding accountability, justice, and a government that truly works for the people.
The Dangerous Gaslighting by APC Loyalists
We must also address the lies and baseless accusations being spread by APC loyalists and online paid defenders. Individuals such as Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson for Bola Tinubu, and other elements within the APC, are employing gaslighting tactics to undermine the suffering youths. Dada Olusegun, for instance, once tweeted in 2014, "Maybe we don't need peaceful protest," and "The next protest will be the mother of them all, we won't leave the street until Goodluck Jonathan is out of Aso Rock." This call for anarchy during the Jonathan administration is hypocritical, considering the APC's current stance against protests, despite the country's worsening situation under their rule.
These same individuals who once called for massive protests and the removal of a sitting president now demonize the youth for exercising their democratic rights. Their hypocrisy and double standards are evident, and their attempts to silence and discredit the youth must be recognized for what they are: a desperate bid to maintain control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let us reject the false narrative that protests are destroying Nigeria. The real destruction comes from a government that prioritizes its luxuries over the people's needs, that fosters division instead of unity, and that silences dissent instead of addressing grievances. We must stand together, regardless of our ethnic backgrounds, and demand the change we deserve. Protests are not the problem; they are a symptom of a government that has lost its way. The real solution lies in holding our leaders accountable and ensuring that they work for the betterment of all Nigerians.
0 Comments