Editorial.
Incessant Demonstrations: A Call for Balance Between Democratic Rights and a
Harm to Citizens Lives.
Fig1: Picture from 2020 #endsars# protest.
Photo credit: Sahara reporters.
Written by:
Yusuf Usman Haruna.
Protests have long been a vital tool for expressing public dissatisfaction, demanding accountability, and
pushing for societal change. From the "EndSARS" protest to the global demonstrations for climate
justice. Protests have amplified the voices of the marginalized, forcing those in power to confront
uncomfortable truths.
But, the frequent disruptions caused by protests, particularly when they spiral into chaos, have raised an
important question, how do we strike a balance between exercising democratic rights and minimizing
harm to the everyday lives of citizens?
The right to protest is enshrined in the democratic ideals of freedom of speech and assembly. In a
Nation like Nigeria, where economic hardship, insecurity and governmental inadequacies weigh heavily
on citizens, protests offer a platform for collective action. Movements like #EndSARS highlighted the
resilience of the Nigerian youth, exposing systemic police brutality and sparking a global conversation
about human rights abuses. These movements remind us that progress often begins with dissent. When
traditional governance structures fail to address public grievances, protests become the last resort for
the people to be heard.
On the other hand, the dark side of this democratic expression is the unintended consequences it often
brings. In Nigeria, for instance, protests are frequently hijacked by hoodlums, degenerating into
violence, looting, and destruction of public infrastructure. Businesses are forced to shut down, roads are
blocked, and the economy suffers significant setbacks. For ordinary citizens, many of whom are already
struggling to make ends meet, but continues to suffer these disruptions.
In the recent years, there are a lot peaceful protest that were hijacked by opportunistic elements and
change the original message, erodes public support, and leaves scars on communities long after the
demonstrations end. Demanding action against economic hardship and insecurity saw banks, markets,
and schools close, leaving millions stranded and deepening the very struggles the protests sought to
address.
The ripple effects of such protests extend beyond immediate inconveniences. The destruction of critical
infrastructure like schools and hospitals sets communities back by years. For a country like ours
"Nigeria" already grappling with economic instability, such disruptions only exacerbate the challenges.
Investors are deterred, tourism suffers, and the government often responds with increased
militarization, further straining the trust between the state and its citizens.
Moreover, the psychological toll on citizens cannot be ignored. Watching a peaceful protest descend
into chaos fosters fear, mistrust, and apathy, discouraging future participation in civic activities. It also
gives the government an excuse to clamp down on dissent, as seen in the aftermath of the #EndSARS"
protests, where state-sanctioned violence left a chilling effect on activism.
To address these challenges, both activists and governments must adopt a more proactive and
collaborative approach. Activists need to prioritize organization, ensuring that protests remain peaceful
and focused. Leveraging technology to track and prevent hijackers from taking advantage of the
movements could go a long way in preserving the integrity of protests. On the other hand, governments
must stop viewing protests as threats to their authority. Instead, they should see them as opportunities
to engage with citizens, address grievances and foster trust. Establishing platforms for dialogue,
reforming oppressive systems, and ensuring that security forces respect the rights of peaceful protesters
can prevent many protests from escalating into rebellion.
Inconclusion, protests are a powerful tool for democracy, but they must not become an incessant
movements that will harm the lives of ordinary citizens they aim to protect. As citizens, activists and
leaders, we must find a balance that upholds the right to protest while safeguarding the lives and
livelihoods of ordinary people. After all, the ultimate goal of any protest is progress, and progress should
never come at the expense of the people.