Blog

Just like all protests, the #EndSARS movement is spontaneous and fueled by a collective anger. The Special Anti-Robbery Squad unit (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force was created to tackle armed robbery as the name suggests. Instead, the protector became the predator. Without mincing words, the officers in this unit have gone rouge and are out to steal, kill and destroy lives- just like the devil.

Several reports and videos showcasing the brutality of this unit kept circulating on social media over the years. As usual, we ranted and cursed the police online and that was about it. However, on October 3, 2020, something changed. A video went viral on Twitter showing how some officers of this deadly unit pushed a young man from a moving vehicle and sped off with his car, leaving him for dead. Another video also emerged of a young upcoming artiste who was shot dead by a SARS officer in broad daylight. This was the genesis of the movement. We couldn’t take it anymore.

Peaceful Protests

I’ve always wanted to be part of a protest against bad governance in Nigeria. In all honesty, it was like a dream come true. I prayed for the day when my fellow Nigerians would rise and speak up to challenge the government and it came to pass. On October 8, 2020, a group of youths without a leader took to the streets of Lagos and marched to the government house at Alausa, Ikeja. The demand was simple; END SARS. Not disband it and rename it to SWAT, shut down the unit.

I was intrigued and inspired by their boldness and even more impressed when they proceeded to sleep in front of the government house gate till the next day. This went on to spark a nationwide protest as young Nigerians came out in their numbers to make their voices heard both online and offline.

Despite the fact that the protests were peaceful and organized, the government through the police didn’t hesitate to unleash their brutality on Nigerian citizens in different parts of the country. From firing live rounds to using water canons, tear gas and hiring hoodlums to carry out attacks on PEACEFUL protesters, the government made it clear that we had no right to protest in a democracy. Sadly, lives were lost. Jimoh Isiaq was killed in Ogbomosho, Oyo state; Mr. Ikechukwu Ilohamauzo was hit and killed by a stray bullet at Surulere to mention a few.

To send an even stronger message, the Nigerian Army under the command of the President sent some soldiers to the Lekki toll gate. Here, they opened fire on PEACEFUL and UNARMED protesters who sat on the floor, holding hands and singing the national anthem; THE LEKKI MASSACRE. Imagine being killed for asking not to be killed. WILD! To read more about the timeline of events from the beginning of the protests till date, click here.

Highlights and Hope

I participated actively during the protests. I went out with my placard and marched for the hope of a better Nigeria. I literally slept and woke up on Twitter everyday for 2 weeks protesting online and making sure the #EndSARS hashtag stayed relevant. I shared my exact feelings at the time on my Instagram page.

For 2 weeks, I saw a system that worked in my country. This further instilled more hope in me that we have what it takes to make Nigeria a better place for her people. Our voices were reverberant that the international community heard us and also lent their voices.

The government’s response during the protests is something that stood out for me. Why did state governors take days to address the police brutality and killings in their various states? Why was peace matched with violence? What is the government trying so hard to hide from her citizens? Who organized the prison break in Benin city? Why did the President deem it fit to deliver a speech that was void of empathy while issuing subtle threats and avoiding responsibility for the whole world to hear? Are we really in a democracy? These are a few questions that keep popping up in my head every now and then.

After the Lekki Massacre and the President’s speech, I was totally destabilized and heartbroken. I cried, battled insomnia, nausea and feelings of helplessness. I called on the Holy Trinity more times than I can remember- mumbling short prayers under my breath while clasping my palms with my eyes closed. I tried to pour out my thoughts on paper but I always ended up in tears. It was a long week. I mean, people died and not even a word did the President utter about it. As if they never existed. What is the worth of a Nigerian life?

What Next?

Have the protests ended? Is it still safe to protest after everything the President said in his speech? Well, after much thought, I’ll say this is the beginning of something new. This is a REAWAKENING. We have to build on what we started and keep making our voices heard. For your own good, get interested in politics and governance. Know how the system works. Create WhatsApp and Telegram groups to discuss about politics. Remember that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.

The protests have gone beyond police reforms. Now, we demand good governance, accountability, respect of human rights, electoral/voting reforms and youth representation/participation in government. The next general elections in 2023 will be our opportunity to actualize the changes we want and I implore all my Nigerian readers in the Musings Community to get their permanent voter’s card (PVC) ahead of time. Please, do away with the thought that your vote doesn’t count because it does.

Also, we should try as much as possible to educate those at the grassroot level on the importance of good governance and accountability. From all indication, it is evident that the government banks on the high rate of illiteracy and impoverishment in these areas to execute their evil political agendas. We have to include them in this struggle unless this fight may end up being in vain.

Most importantly, keep in mind that this is a marathon and not a sprint. We have to put in the work to get our desired results. 2020 is one remarkable and memorable year for us and I pray that we all live to tell our stories.

Due to personal reasons, I’ve chosen Friday to be my new post day so expect new articles every Friday.

How have you been? Did you participate in the protest? What was your experience like? The comment section is all yours.

Have a restful weekend. 💛