The past 3 weeks have been eventful for our country, Nigeria. Since the return of Democracy 21 years ago, we have never had a situation where the youths came up to speak against oppression and injustice.
The questions those in authority should be asking are why did they choose this time? Why did their parents bear same condition but they said enough is enough? The truth is, the #EndSARS protest is not just about the brutality of youths by Policemen that are paid to protect young and old. The EndSARS protest reflects the frustration of the majority of Nigerians who the political class has taken for granted as being spineless and dumb in the midst of deafening hardship, oppression, impunity, poverty, insecurity and social imbalance. There is no justification for violence and the #EndSARS protest was not violent.
But sadly, those that resorted to violence and looting are also products of the same frustrating society the Endsars protesters are crying against. For once, we politicians have been made to know that our protective safeguards can be overwhelmed by the people if they choose to come out against the system oppressing them. Yes, those that were involved in looting and maiming should be dealt with in accordance with the law, but they have sent a message out and that message should be taken very seriously.
Where do we head to from here? First, Justice for all those that have been victims of police brutality. There can never be peace in the absence of Justice. Without Justice, it’s only a matter of when, the peace of the country will be punctured again. Second, government need to restructure this country, Nigeria. We are running a fraudulent system that benefits only those that are in charge and not those they are charged to serve.
Thirdly, we must start process of changing Nigeria by investing immensely in our youths. The country can successfully rebrand itself only if our youths are taken seriously and given the environment to strive. Our fathers should leave the track for the youths to run the race. Education should be given priority. Our police men need to be well appreciated for there to be discipline among them. God bless Nigeria.
Alh. Hon. Imam Adebowale writes from Ede, Osun State
