The EndSARS protest, famous on social media with the hashtag #EndSARS, took a different turn on the 20th of October 2020, when the Lagos State Government declared curfew in the state following reported cases of threats, violence, and other such insecurities around the state, and some protesters who were at the Lekki Toll Gate (a primary site of the protest for days) were reportedly shot at by security operatives. The protest had started online, especially on Twitter, a few years ago with many tweeters calling for the end of the SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) outfit – a unit of the Nigeria Police Force known for fighting crime around the country as well as their constant abuse of human rights in the execution of their duties, and other operations they are known for.
Some Nigerians including celebrities decided to take to the streets to protest the gruesome killings associated with men of SARS as well as other police officers. The street protest was fueled by media circulating on social media as well as reports of extrajudicial killings, profiling, abuse of human rights, and maltreatment reportedly by security operatives, especially from the Nigeria Police and the SARS unit of the Force. The protest held in many cities in the Country and outside the country, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. It also garnered support from non-Nigerians in diaspora including celebrities and people with influence. The protesters had a list of requests which includes the call for disbandment of the SARS unit of the Nigeria Police Force, total reform of the Force, improve welfare for men of the Force, and a call for respect of Nigerian lives and the human rights of the people. There was civil unrest in many parts of the country from the evening of October 20th, and many Nigerians witnessed so much lawlessness within parts of Country.
While I studied the protest, I noticed 9 things that I believed went wrong during the protests:
- Nobody should be forced to join or lead a protest. If people understand the need of, or for a protest, they will willingly join. Many Nigerians, at home, and in the streets – including celebrities were victims of this.
- Protest is a democratic right of citizens, and so is police protection. The former was missing throughout the protests.
- Pockets of protests scattered around communities, towns and cities made policing and security difficult. Hoodlums were able to filter through the ranks by this method. Hoodlums had their own protests staged too; it was difficult to tell what from what.
- Once the protesters got what they wanted, it appears they became overjoyed with the victory and decided to push their luck. You wanted an end to SARS, you got it, why wasn’t there a re-strategizing? Human right violation is a process, and I believe can be observed. In my opinion I think it is important to know when to stop.
- Road blocks during protests made life very difficult for Nigerians and visitors who wanted to go about their legitimate businesses. Emergency vehicles and essential workers were unable to commute making it very difficult for those that need their services to enjoy same.
- Failure to negotiate and dialogue. Two wrongs never make a right, and while this isn’t about who was right or wrong, it is important that we do not become like the monsters we seem to be fighting.
- Change is difficult, and growth takes time. The decay that was caused in 60 years may not be rebuilt by 20days of protests for example. Once your voice is heard, get to the board room, the diary room, the strategy room, and the creation room.
- Acting in denial. Protesters were constantly in denial that the protest had been hijacked by hoodlums, thugs, and other unscrupulous players. The same way the Government and the Police were in denial against many of the key points of the protest.
- Fake News: Fake news is basically an attempt whether deliberately or not, to misinform the public. Government apparatus were seen debunking genuine news as fake, same way protesters dismissed many cases of violence in parts of the country. Many fake news was seen during the protest, like the girl who was said to have lost her brother, and that of Catholic Bishops and other renowned clerics joining the nationwide endsars protests on the streets which were actually false. The troubles of October 20th 2020 also became complicated with fake news.
I believe there are lessons to be learned from this protest, and we can do better as citizens, and as a government in future. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Email to: aniekanukoh@outlook.com