The response of the Federal Government to the recent #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest has revealed a significant disconnect from the very citizens it was elected to serve, according to the citizen-led movement, #FixPolitics.
In a statement titled ‘August 1, 2024 Citizens Peaceful Protest: Time to Change Course’, the movement condemned the government’s reactionary and misguided tactics aimed at tarnishing the image of the protest and its participants.
Anthony Ubani, the Executive Director of #FixPolitics Africa, criticized the government’s inflammatory remarks regarding the protests, asserting they demonstrate a profound disconnection from the realities faced by the populace. He condemned the government’s attempts to vilify the legitimate grievances of a frustrated citizenry, suggesting that such actions were merely the handiwork of opposition parties.
He emphasized that the government’s search for nonexistent sponsors of the protests only strengthened the resolve of the people, who are increasingly concerned about losing their voices and dignity in what feels like an oligarchy masquerading as a democracy.
Ubani further accused the government of orchestrating efforts to undermine the protests by sponsoring individuals, groups, traditional leaders, and religious figures to voice opposition against the demonstrations.
He pointed out the coincidental timing of a “curious Oro” festival declared by the Lagos traditional institution during the protest period, and the Attorney General’s attempts to impose a court order that restricted protests in Lagos to specific locations.
He criticized the government for its doomsday rhetoric reminiscent of Venezuela, its proposal to halve the salaries of federal representatives for six months, and the intimidation of citizens by thugs threatening them against participating in protests. These actions, he argued, reflect a complete lack of sensitivity to the country’s challenges and the widespread discontent among its citizens.
Ubani asserted that in a democracy, the Office of the Citizen holds the utmost authority. He stated, “To hinder citizens’ ability to express their views or criminalize their right to peaceful assembly is an unacceptable slide toward dictatorship.”
He affirmed that peaceful protests are constitutionally protected rights, and a truly democratic government would respond by encouraging national dialogue and committing to tangible actions to address citizens’ concerns in the coming weeks. He stressed that it is not too late for the Bola Tinubu administration to allow citizens to voice their dissent through peaceful protests.
Ubani noted that the citizens’ determination to conduct protests peacefully from August 1 to 10 showcases the government’s failure to pacify the populace with its patronizing tactics.
“The onus is now on the government to ensure the safety of protesters, prevent criminal elements from hijacking the demonstrations, and, crucially, provide avenues for citizens to be heard. To do otherwise would be disastrous.
The painful memories of #EndSARS are still fresh, and the world is watching as citizens refuse to remain passive. The errors of the past should not be repeated, especially with the ongoing unrest in other African nations. Thus, we firmly assert that the authoritarian and intolerant instincts evident in the government’s rhetoric and actions leading up to the protest have no place in a democratic society,” he stated.
Ubani concluded by stating that the protests present a pivotal opportunity for the government to introspect and correct its course over the past 14 months.
“The suffering, hardship, and pain experienced by Nigerians are palpable and should not be politicized. The government must humbly reassess its strategies and urgently develop new, citizen-focused policies to alleviate the widespread anger and distress across the nation,” he urged.
