Ten days are over, and many wonder whether the message behind the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protests was adequately conveyed and received by the government; was it truly understood and internalised?
Initially a peaceful drive for change, the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protests were taken over by looting, destruction, and allegations of extra-judicial killings by security forces in some states. The images of protesters waving Russian flags and President Tinubu’s public addresses, which came twice in a single week, also impacted the protests.
But away from the immediate issues, what lessons should the government take away from these events, and have they learned them?
Human rights lawyer, Monday Ubani, speaking to BBC News, stated that the looting, destruction of properties, and attacks that followed gave the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protests a different and unintended meaning. He explained that it overshadowed the initial purpose and diverted attention from the core issues of governance and accountability that the protesters were raising.
This change in perception may have allowed the government to sidestep the protest’s core demands by focusing on the chaos rather than the cause.
The protests, which began as a response to economic hardship and corruption, were a clarion call for reducing the cost of governance — one of the central issues of the movement, which had 10 demands. Yet, despite these, the government’s response has so far been tepid.
The one million-man march planned by the leaders of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests was meant to be a concluding event, a final push to make their voices heard. However, it flopped across the country due to low turnout, with many protesters shunning their usual meeting points, now occupied by security agents.
The heavy deployment of security operatives, coupled with roadblocks across cities, effectively suppressed the movement, raising questions about the state’s willingness to engage with its citizens’ concerns.
This low turnout and the heavy-handed security response is one lesson that remains unlearned by the Nigerian government:
- The Importance of Engaging with the Populace Rather than Suppressing Dissent
The protests were not just about immediate economic issues; they were a commentary on the inefficiencies and excesses of the Nigerian government. The call to cut down on the cost of governance is not a new one. It has stayed through the corridors of power for years, yet little has changed.
The bloated government structure, with its numerous aides, advisers, and ministries, continues to drain resources that could be better spent on public services. These include allocated N21 billion for renovating the Vice President’s residence, N70 billion for SUVs for National Assembly members, and N5 billion for the presidential fleet. Additionally, N1.5 billion was spent on cars for Senator Oluremi Tinubu, despite the Constitution not recognising the First Lady’s office. Senators’ salaries were increased to N21 million monthly, and a N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project was controversially awarded to Gilbert Chagoury.
The government’s response to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protests has been emblematic of a larger issue: the disconnect between the rulers and the ruled. Instead of addressing the root causes of the protests, the focus has been on quelling them. This approach increases the existing trust issues and also sets the stage for future unrest.
The parallels with Kenya’s recent protests are instructive. In response to similar economic challenges, the Kenyan government has taken steps to address the underlying issues, such as initiating public consultations and reducing government spending. Nigeria, on the other hand, appears to be doubling down on the very practices that caused the protests.
- The Need for Transparent and Inclusive Governance
One of the key lessons that remains unlearned is the necessity for transparent and inclusive governance. The lack of transparency in government dealings, from budget allocations to contract awards, has long led to public mistrust.
The protests highlighted the growing issues among Nigerians over the opaque nature of governance, where decisions that impact millions are made behind closed doors with little to no input from the public. The government’s failure to open channels for meaningful dialogue with protesters during the unrest is indicative of an unwillingness to engage with citizens. If the government continues to ignore calls for transparency and inclusivity, it risks further alienating the very people it is meant to serve.
- Addressing the Root Causes of Economic Hardship
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests were, at the core, a response to economic hardship. The high cost of living, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunities have left many Nigerians feeling hopeless. While the government has often resorted to temporary measures, such as palliative programs or fuel subsidies, these band-aid solutions do not address the root causes of economic hardship.
Structural reforms aimed at improving economic diversification, boosting job creation, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources are essential. The failure to address these underlying economic issues will only perpetuate the cycle of poverty and discontent, leading to more protests in the future.
- The Importance of Accountability
Another lesson that remains unlearned is the importance of accountability in governance. The protesters’ demands for accountability and reforms were clear, those in power must be held responsible for their actions. This includes not just political leaders but also security forces who are often accused of human rights violations with impunity.
The alleged extra-judicial killings during the protests speak on the urgent need for accountability within the security apparatus. However, without meaningful investigations and consequences for those responsible, the culture of impunity will continue. The government needs to show a commitment to accountability by ensuring that all those who violate the rights of citizens, regardless of their position, are brought to justice.
- The Power of Civic Engagement and Youth Mobilisation
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests were driven largely by young Nigerians who are increasingly disillusioned with the status quo. This mobilisation of youth is a powerful force that the government cannot afford to ignore. Yet, instead of leveraging this energy for positive change, the government’s response has often been to suppress and discredit youth-led movements.
The lesson here is that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. Engaging with youth and incorporating their perspectives into policy-making is important for building a more inclusive and forward-looking Nigeria. The government’s failure to recognise and support the role of youth in governance will only widen the generational divide and limit progress.
- The Necessity of Political Reforms
Finally, the protests pointed out the imminent need for political reforms in Nigeria. The current political system, characterised by entrenched patronage networks and a lack of genuine representation, is a barrier to good governance. Protesters have called for reforms that would make the political process more inclusive, transparent, and accountable.
These include measures to curb electoral malpractice, reduce the influence of money in politics, and ensure that political officeholders are truly representative of their constituents. Without these reforms, the cycle of bad governance will continue, and the aspirations of millions of Nigerians for a better future will remain unfulfilled.
A Synopsis of the Kenyan Protest: Can Nigeria Learn from its Response Mechanism?
The Kenyan protests were triggered by controversial tax hikes in the Finance Bill 2024, beginning on June 18, 2024. Initially peaceful, the protests turned violent on June 25 when demonstrators stormed parliament, leading to clashes with police that resulted in 39 reported deaths by June 26.
The bill, which included unpopular measures like increased VAT on essentials, sparked widespread discontent. On June 26, President Ruto agreed to shelve the bill, but protests continued, with a “national vigil” planned for July 7. The unrest, driven largely by young Kenyans via social media, reflects broader grievances about economic hardship and government insensitivity.
The word “protest” is derived from the Latin “protestari,” meaning “to declare publicly.” Throughout history, protests have been a powerful force for change, as seen in the Protestant Reformation, the French Revolution, and the American Civil Rights Movement. These examples highlight how public objection can drive societal transformation, a fact that remains true today as seen in movements like the Arab Spring and global climate strikes.
In Nigeria, protests have also shaped the course of history. The 1929 Aba Women’s Riot challenged British colonial exploitation, and the 1947 Abeokuta protest, led by Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, opposed economic hardships and political marginalization. The 1978 “Ali Must Go” protest erupted over increased school fees and economic mismanagement. More recently, the #EndSARS movement in 2020 demanded an end to police brutality and sparked widespread support, both domestically and internationally. These protests reflect Nigeria’s ongoing quest for justice and reform.
How the Kenyan Government Responded to Protesters’ Demands
In response to the recent protests, the Kenyan government initially took short-term measures such as shelving the contentious Finance Bill 2024 on June 26, deploying heavy police action, and promising dialogue with protesters. Despite these efforts, the use of force and the abduction of activists drew significant criticism. For long-term stability, the government will need to address broader issues like enhancing transparency, reducing corruption, and re-evaluating economic policies that affect the cost of living. Additionally, fostering meaningful engagement with youth and reforming police practices will be essential in addressing the root causes of unrest and preventing future conflicts.
Similar Problems, Different Approaches: The Case of Nigeria’s #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protests
Robert Nesta Marley, in his 1980 classic “Zimbabwe,” noted that “every man has a right to decide his own destiny, and in this judgment, there is no partiality.” His lyrics resonate with the situations in Kenya and Nigeria, where both nations have witnessed protests sparked by economic hardship and demands for better governance.
Just as Ruto rose to power on the promise of good governance, Nigeria’s president also promised to understand the nation’s challenges and even published a blueprint to address them. However, despite these promises, the outcomes have fallen short. A comparison of current policies with the living conditions of Nigerians reveals the gap between intention and reality, echoing Amartya Sen’s ideas in Development as Freedom.
While Kenyan youth have shown a more aggressive and determined approach to protest, Nigeria’s response has been more controlled and less impactful. The Nigerian government’s reaction to protests has often involved monitoring, censorship, and minimal concessions, leaving many of the root causes unaddressed.
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protests: Our “Kobo” Advice, If They Will Listen
While Mahatma Gandhi’s principle that “an eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind” holds true, it is imperative for the Nigerian government to re-examine its policy-making processes. Deliberate efforts should be made to see issues from the people’s perspective.
Policymaking should include pluralism, where multiple interest groups influence decisions, and emphasise democratic accountability. If the demands of the #EndBadGovernance movement cannot be addressed immediately, critical and people-centred decisions should be taken to present the government in a positive light. Leaders must recognise the public’s right to accountability, feedback, and involvement in matters that affect them.
Nigeria’s citizenry is highly educated and informed. Engaging the people to ascertain what is best for them is not just advisable—it is essential. We urge the government to engage citizens further, address challenges without bias, and avoid decisions driven by ethnic or political affiliations.
The common man has borne the brunt of poor governance for too long. We hope this awakening will not bring out the worst in Nigerians—lead well!
The lessons are clear, but the question remains: is the government willing to learn them?
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