By Andrew Darah, JP
A peaceful protest, also known as nonviolent protest or civil protest, is a form of protest or demonstration where participants seek to bring about change or express their views without using violence, aggression, or destructive behavior. The goal is to raise awareness, influence public opinion, and push for social, political, or economic change through peaceful means.
*Characteristics of peaceful protests include:*
1.Nonviolence: Avoiding physical harm or injury to others.
2.Lawfulness: Adhering to relevant laws and regulations.
3.Respect: Treating others, including opponents and authorities, with respect and dignity.
4.Non-destructiveness: Avoiding damage to property or the environment.
5.Constructive dialogue: Encouraging open communication and debate.
In Nigeria, Protests have been part of our history with various groups and individuals using demonstrations, marches, and other forms of protest to express grievances and demand change.
*Some of the major protests in time past include;*
*Pre-independence protests (1940s-1950s):* Nigerians protested against British colonial rule, demanding independence and self-governance. This protest involved various individuals and groups, including:
1.National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC): A political party led by Herbert Macaulay and later Nnamdi Azikiwe, which advocated for independence and self-governance.
2.Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM): A political organization founded by Samuel Akinsanya and others, which focused on promoting Nigerian unity and opposing British colonial rule.
3.Trade unions: Labor unions, such as the Nigerian Union of Teachers and the Nigerian Railway Workers’ Union, protested against British colonial policies and demanded better working conditions.
4.Students: Students from various institutions, including the University College Ibadan (now University of Ibadan), participated in protests and demonstrations against colonial rule.
5.Women’s organizations: Women’s groups, such as the Nigerian Women’s Union, protested against colonial policies and demanded greater rights and representation.
*Some notable individuals who played key roles in the pre-independence protests include:*
1.Herbert Macaulay: A nationalist and politician who co-founded the NCNC.
2.Nnamdi Azikiwe: A politician and journalist who led the NCNC and later became Nigeria’s first president.
3.Obafemi Awolowo: A politician and lawyer who founded the Action Group and advocated for federalism and independence.
4.Anthony Enahoro: A politician and journalist who moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1953.
5.Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti: A women’s rights activist and politician who protested against colonial rule and demanded greater rights for women.
These individuals and groups played significant roles in Nigeria’s struggle for independence, which was achieved on October 1st 1960.
*Post-independence protests (1960s-1970s):* this protests focused on government corruption, economic inequality, and military rule.
This protest occurred in many newly independent countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. Some of the key groups and individuals who carried out these protests include:
1.Students: Students were a key force in many of the protests, demanding better education, employment opportunities, and political representation.
2.Labor unions: Labor unions played a significant role in organizing protests against poor working conditions, low wages, and government policies that favored foreign corporations.
3.Peasants and farmers: Peasants and farmers protested against land reform policies, high taxes, and exploitation by wealthy landowners.
4.Political opposition parties: Political opposition parties, often banned or restricted by the government, organized protests against authoritarian rule, human rights abuses, and electoral fraud.
5.Civil society groups: Civil society groups, including religious organizations, women’s groups, and community associations, protested against government policies and actions that affected their interests.
*Some notable individuals who played a key role in these protests include:*
1.Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana): A leading figure in the pan-African movement, Nkrumah was overthrown in a coup in 1966.
2.Julius Nyerere (Tanzania): Nyerere was a key figure in the non-aligned movement and implemented socialist policies in Tanzania, but faced opposition from students, workers, and peasants.
3.Amílcar Cabral (Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde): Cabral led the fight for independence against Portuguese colonial rule and was assassinated in 1973.
4.Steve Biko (South Africa): Biko was a leading figure in the Black Consciousness Movement, which protested against apartheid and white minority rule.
5.J.M. Kariuki (Kenya): Kariuki was a politician and activist who protested against government corruption and human rights abuses, and was assassinated in 1975.
These are just a few examples of the many individuals and groups who played a key role in the post-independence protests of the 1960s-1970s.
*Anti-SAP (Structural Adjustment Program) protests (1980s):* Nigerians protested against the government’s implementation of SAP, which led to economic hardship and austerity measures.
This protests was carried out by various groups, including:
1.Labor unions: Such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
2.Student organizations: Like the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
3.Civil society organizations: Including the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO).
4.Religious groups: Some religious leaders and organizations spoke out against the SAP policies.
5.Political opposition: Some political parties and opposition leaders criticized the SAP policies.
These groups protested against the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which led to economic hardship, increased poverty, and reduced government services in Nigeria. The protests were often met with government repression, leading to arrests, injuries, and even deaths.
*Pro-democracy protests (1990s):* Activists demanded an end to military rule and the restoration of democracy.
The protest was carried out by various groups, including:
1.National Democratic Coalition (NADECO): A coalition of politicians, activists, and intellectuals advocating for democratic rule.
2.Campaign for Democracy (CD): A human rights organization that mobilized protests against military rule.
3.Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO): A human rights group that fought against military repression.
4.Student organizations: Like the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which played a significant role in protests.
5.Labor unions: Such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which went on strikes to demand democratic reforms.
6.Pro-democracy activists: Individuals like Ken Saro-Wiwa, Gani Fawehinmi, and Beko Ransome-Kuti, who risked their lives to demand democracy.
7.Ethnic and regional groups: Like the Ogoni people, who demanded environmental justice and autonomy.
8.Political opposition: Some political parties and opposition leaders, like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC), which opposed the military regime.
These groups protested against military rule, demanding democratic reforms, human rights, and an end to corruption. The protests were often met with brutal force, leading to arrests, torture, etc
*Fuel subsidy protests (2012):* The Fuel Subsidy Protest, also known as the Occupy Nigeria movement, was a series of mass protests and demonstrations that took place in Nigeria in January 2012. The protests were sparked by the government’s announcement to remove fuel subsidies, which led to a significant increase in fuel prices.
The protests were carried out by a coalition of civil society organizations, labor unions, and opposition parties.
*Some of the key groups involved in the protests included:*
1.Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
2.Trade Union Congress (TUC)
3.Civil Society Coalition (CSC)
4.Save Nigeria Group (SNG)
5.Occupy Nigeria movement
*Some notable individuals who played a key role in organizing and leading the protests include:*
1.Tunde Bakare (pastor and activist)
2.Femi Falana (lawyer and activist)
3.Festus Keyamo (lawyer and activist)
4.Bukola Elemide (musician and activist, aka Asa)
5.Seun Kuti (musician and activist)
The protests were largely peaceful, but there were reports of violence and clashes between protesters and security forces in some locations. The government eventually partially reinstated the fuel subsidy, but the protests marked an important moment in Nigeria’s history, highlighting the power of citizen activism and the need for government accountability.
*Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) protests (2014):*
The Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) protests were a series of demonstrations and campaigns that took place in Nigeria and around the world in 2014, following the abduction of over 270 schoolgirls by the terrorist group Boko Haram from Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria.
The BBOG movement was led by a group of Nigerian women, including:
1.Obiageli Ezekwesili (former Minister of Education and Vice President of the World Bank for Africa)
2.Hadiza Bala Usman (activist and former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State)
3.Aisha Yesufu (activist and entrepreneur)
4.Oby Ezekwesili’s co-convener, Dr. Amina Mohammed (now the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations)
Other notable individuals who supported and participated in the BBOG protests include:
1.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (former Minister of Finance)
2.Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (author and activist)
3.Wole Soyinka (Nobel laureate and activist)
4.Tiwa Savage (musician and activist)
5.Femi Falana (lawyer and activist)
The BBOG movement demanded that the Nigerian government take action to rescue the abducted girls and address the broader issue of insecurity in the country. The protests were held in various cities across Nigeria, including Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, as well as in other countries around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, and South Africa.
The BBOG movement helped raise international awareness about the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction and put pressure on the Nigerian government to take action. While some of the girls have since been rescued or escaped, many remain in captivity, and the BBOG movement continues to advocate for their release and for greater accountability from the Nigerian government.
*EndSARS protests (2020):* The EndSARS protests were a series of demonstrations and rallies held in Nigeria in October 2020, calling for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force accused of human rights abuses, brutality, and extortion.
Some notable individuals who played a key role in organizing and leading the EndSARS protests include:
1.Rinu Oduala (activist and convener of the EndSARS protest in Lagos)
2.Aisha Yesufu (activist and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, who also supported EndSARS)
3.Folarin Falana (aka Falz, musician and activist)
4.Debo Adebayo (aka Mr. Macaroni, comedian and activist)
5.Modupe Odele (aka Moe, lawyer and activist)
6.Moe Odele’s co-founder of the EndSARS response team, Segun Awosanya (aka Segalink)
7.Feyikemi Abudu (aka FK, activist and member of the EndSARS response team)
Other notable supporters and participants in the EndSARS protests include:
1.Genevieve Nnaji (actress and activist)
2.Tiwa Savage (musician and activist)
3.Don Jazzy (musician and activist)
4.Toke Makinwa (media personality and activist)
5.Runtown (musician and activist)
The EndSARS protests were largely peaceful, but there were reports of violence and clashes between protesters and security forces in some locations. The protests led to the disbandment of SARS and the establishment of a new unit, SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics). However, many protesters and activists continue to call for broader police reforms and accountability in Nigeria.
8.*Peter Obi protests (2023):* The Peter Obi protests, also known as the “Obidient” movement, refer to a series of demonstrations and rallies held in Nigeria in 2023, supporting Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Nigerian general election.
Some notable individuals who played a key role in organizing and leading the Peter Obi protests include:
1.Peter Obi himself, who encouraged his supporters to exercise their right to peaceful protest.
2.Doyin Okupe (Director-General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign)
3.Julius Abure (Chairman of the Labour Party)
4.Kenneth Okonkwo (actor and Labour Party spokesperson)
5.Pat Utomi (economist and Labour Party supporter)
6.Aisha Yesufu (activist and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, who also supported Peter Obi)
7.Dele Farotimi (lawyer and Labour Party supporter)
Other notable supporters and participants in the Peter Obi protests include:
1.Charly Boy (musician and activist)
2.Mr. Macaroni (comedian and activist)
3.Falz (musician and activist)
4.Banky W (musician and activist)
5.MI Abaga (musician and activist)
The Peter Obi protests were largely peaceful, with supporters calling for electoral reforms, good governance, and an end to corruption in Nigeria. The protests took place in various cities across Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, as well as in diaspora communities around the world.
*Some of the major things to protest for or against in Nigeria today:*
Protest For;
1.Better governance and leadership accountability
2.Improved electricity supply and infrastructure development
3.Enhanced education and healthcare systems
4.Economic empowerment and job creation
5.Human rights and social justice
6.Good roads and transportation networks
7.Youth empowerment and inclusion in decision-making processes
Protest Against;
1.Corruption and mismanagement of public funds
2.Insecurity
3.Police brutality and extortion
4.Poor state of public schools and hospital
5.Inflation and economic hardship
6.Poor working conditions and labor rights
*What Government should do to prevent the Protest*
If the Nigerian Government wants to prevent the scheduled protest on August 1, 2024, from taking place, they should consider taking the following steps;
1.Engage in dialogue: Open communication channels with the protest organizers and listen to their grievances. Addressing their concerns may reduce the need for a protest.
2.Address the root causes: Identify the underlying issues driving the protest and take concrete steps to resolve them. This could involve policy changes, reforms, or concrete actions.
3.Provide alternative platforms: Offer alternative channels for citizens to express their views, such as town hall meetings or public forums.
4.Ensure effective communication*: Clearly explain the government’s position and actions to the public, avoiding misinformation and rumors.
5.Collaborate with stakeholders: Work with community leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions.
6.Respect human rights: Ensure that any measures taken to prevent the protest respect citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
7.Seek peaceful resolution: Prioritize peaceful resolution over confrontation, avoiding actions that could escalate tensions.
8.Offer concessions: Be open to compromise and offer concessions that address the protesters’ concerns.
9.Foster trust: Work to rebuild trust between the government and citizens through transparency, accountability, and follow-through on commitments.
10.Monitor and adjust: Continuously monitor the situation and adjust strategies as needed to prevent violence and ensure public safety.
Remember, preventing a protest requires addressing the underlying issues and engaging with citizens in a constructive manner.
Andrew Darah JP
