THE POWER OF PROTEST: NIGERIAN YOUTHS AT THE FOREFRONT

Throughout history, protest has always been a powerful tool for change. It has provided a voice to the voiceless, challenged injustices, and driven significant social and political reforms. Protesting is a long-standing practice of publicly expressing dissent against opinions, policies, politics or democracies perceived to be unjust or which one disagrees with. For Nigerian youths, protest remains a vital means of expression and advocacy for a better future.

A Historical Perspective on Protests

Looking through historical glasses, protests have been integral to global history. From the French Revolution in 1789, which reshaped French society and politics, to the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, where leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. led the fight against racial segregation and discrimination. More recently, the Arab Spring of 2011 saw a wave of protests across the Middle East and North Africa, demanding democratic reforms and social justice. In Nigeria, the history of protest dates back to the colonial era. One notable example is the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, where thousands of Igbo women protested against British colonial policies. Post-independence, Nigeria witnessed significant protests, including the anti-SAP (Structural Adjustment Program) riots of the 1980s and the pro-democracy protests of the 1990s that culminated in the end of military rule.

Notable World Scenarios on Protest

The Arab Spring (2011): In Tunisia, the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor, in December 2010 sparked a wave of protests that toppled the government and inspired similar movements across the Arab world. This led to significant political changes in countries like Egypt, Libya, and Yemen.

Hong Kong Protests (2019-2020): Protests erupted in Hong Kong in response to a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. The protests grew into a larger movement advocating for democratic reforms and greater autonomy from China.

Black Lives Matter (2013-Present): The Black Lives Matter movement began in the United States as a response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. It gained global momentum in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, leading to widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

Nigerian Examples

The Aba Women’s Protest: Also known as the Aba Women’s War, occurred in November and December 1929 in southeastern Nigeria. It was a significant anti-colonial protest led by Igbo women against British colonial authorities and their policies. The immediate cause of the protest was the imposition of a special tax on the market women, which was part of the colonial administration’s broader attempt to increase revenue. The women were also protesting the system of indirect rule, which empowered local male chiefs appointed by the British, often leading to increased oppression and exploitation of the local population, especially women. The protest which began in Oloko, near Aba, and quickly spread to other parts of southeastern Nigeria. The women organized themselves into groups, using traditional methods of communication such as singing and dancing to gather and mobilize. They targeted Native Courts, which were symbols of colonial rule, and demanded an end to the new tax policies and the removal of corrupt chiefs. The protest involved more than 25,000 women and lasted about two months. It resulted in the destruction of several Native Court buildings and other symbols of colonial authority. The colonial government eventually abolished the tax and instituted reforms to address some of the women’s grievances. The protest highlighted the role of women in anti-colonial movements and had a lasting impact on colonial policy and the empowerment of women in Nigeria.

Ali Must Go Protest of 1978: In response to a fee hike, Nigerian students staged the 1978 Ali Must Go Protests, also known as the 1978 Students’ Crisis. known as one of Nigeria’s bloodiest student protests and the main cause of the biggest political crisis of the Mohammed/Obasanjo military regime, which lasted from 1975 to 1979.

Occupy Nigeria (2012): This was a nationwide protest against the removal of fuel subsidies by the government. It saw massive participation from youths, labor unions, and civil society groups, leading to the reversal of the subsidy removal.

Bring Back Our Girls (2014): Following the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, a global campaign led by Nigerian activists, including youths, called for their rescue. The movement garnered international attention and pressure on the Nigerian government.

#EndSARS (2020): The #EndSARS protests began as a call to end the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) due to widespread reports of brutality and extrajudicial killings. It evolved into a broader movement demanding comprehensive police reform and accountability in governance.

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria (2024): Very recently and still ongoing, the Nigerian Youths and other age grade of the Nigerian citizenry took to the street seeking for better governance and governmental policies. This, achieved through social media campaigns, began from the early hours of the 1^st of August, 2024 and slated to continue to the 10^th of August, 2024, as a peaceful movement to end bad governance in Nigeria. Being the usual trend in Nigeria, the protest has been noted to have been hijacked by hoodlums in some parts of the country with records of injuries and even death scores. There have also been recorded cases of clashes between men of the armed forces and protesters.

Pros and Cons of Protests in Nigeria

The Pros of protest recorded so far in Nigeria include:

1. Social and Political Change: Protests have historically driven significant reforms in Nigeria. The #EndSARS movement led to the disbandment of the notorious SARS unit and initiated broader conversations on police reform.
2. Awareness and Solidarity: Protests raise awareness about critical issues, fostering a sense of solidarity among citizens. They provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard.
3. Accountability: By holding leaders accountable, protests ensure that the government remains responsive to the needs and demands of the populace.

The Cons of Protest:

1. Government Crackdown: Protests in Nigeria often face severe repression, with reports of excessive use of force by security agencies, arrests, intimidation of protesters and even deaths.
2. Disruption: While necessary, protests can disrupt economic activities and daily life, sometimes leading to unintended consequences for ordinary citizens.
3. Hijacking by Non-Peaceful Elements: Peaceful protests are occasionally infiltrated by individuals with ulterior motives, leading to violence and vandalism, which detracts from the original cause.
4. Records of injuries and even deaths.
   

   Legal Rights and Laws With Respect to Protects:

International Context:

Globally, the right to protest is enshrined in several international human rights instruments. Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Similarly, Article 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) protects the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of association respectively. In the UK, protest is a human right protected under Article 11 of the Human Rights Act. While in the US, demonstration, peaceful protest, and freedom of expression of one’s beliefs, is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The Nigerian Context:

In Nigeria, the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed. Section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended provides for the right to assemble freely and associate with others. Additionally, Section 39 guarantees freedom of expression, which includes the right to protest. Despite these legal protections, the implementation and respect for these rights have often been contentious, with instances of government crackdowns on peaceful protests.

The Role of Youths in Nigerian Protests

Nigeria’s youth have always been a formidable force in shaping the nation’s socio-political landscape. From the fight for independence to contemporary movements against corruption and police brutality, Nigerian youths have demonstrated resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Nigerian youths have consistently been at the forefront of protests, advocating for better governance, social justice, and economic opportunities. The #EndSARS Movement of 2020 is a testament to their resilience and desire for change. Sparked by years of police brutality, the movement saw young Nigerians mobilize through social media, organizing peaceful protests across the country and drawing global attention to their cause.

The involvement of Nigerian youths in political activism can be traced back to the early 20th century. The establishment of student unions and youth organizations provided platforms for young people to voice their concerns and demand change. During the 1960s, youths played a pivotal role in the independence movement. Key figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello were in their youth when they championed the cause for Nigeria’s self-governance. The success of the independence movement underscored the power of youth-led activism in shaping the nation’s future.

Youth-led protests in Nigeria have often resulted in significant socio-political changes. The anti-SAP riots forced the government to reconsider its economic policies, while the #OccupyNigeria movement led to the partial reinstatement of fuel subsidies. The #EndSARS protests brought global attention to police brutality in Nigeria and initiated discussions on comprehensive police reforms.

The Future of Protests in Nigeria

The future of protests in Nigeria will likely continue to be driven by the youth, leveraging digital platforms to organize and amplify their voices. As Nigeria faces ongoing challenges such as economic inequality, corruption, and human rights abuses, young Nigerians are expected to remain at the forefront of demanding accountability and reforms. The success of future protests will depend on the ability of youths to sustain their momentum, build coalitions, and engage constructively with government institutions. However, for sustained impact, there is a need for dialogue, political engagement, and a commitment to peaceful advocacy.

Conclusion

Protest remains a vital democratic tool for Nigerian youths, providing a pathway to voice grievances and demand change. Understanding the historical context, legal frameworks, and the pros and cons of protests is essential for effective and responsible advocacy. As Nigerian youths continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of protest, their resilience and determination will undoubtedly shape the future of the nation. By drawing parallels between global and local examples, we can better appreciate the significance of protests and the role of youth in driving societal change. The experiences from around the world and within Nigeria highlight the power and potential of collective action in the quest for a just and equitable society.