The newly appointed Governing Council Chairman of Ayede Federal Polytechnic, Barr. Mubo Adelabu, has expressed concerns about the impact of protests on our country. Protests have long been a means for citizens to voice their grievances and demand change across Africa. While they can be effective in bringing attention to pressing issues, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential consequences and unintended negative outcomes that may arise. Drawing lessons from past protests, particularly in Nigeria and other African nations, provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics surrounding such demonstrations.
One significant concern regarding protests is the potential for them to be hijacked by miscreants or extremists, leading to clashes with security forces. Tragically, this has been witnessed in Nigeria’s history, with events such as the #EndSARS protests in 2020 resulting in loss of lives. Similar incidents have occurred in countries like Sudan and Egypt, underscoring the need to ensure safety during mass demonstrations.
While protests are often driven by socio-economic grievances, they can inadvertently worsen economic instability. Disrupting economic activities can have long-lasting effects on businesses, employment, and overall economic growth. This was evident during Nigeria’s #OccupyNigeria protests in 2012, which led to fuel shortages, inflation, and hindered recovery from an already challenging economic situation.
Protests have the potential to provoke political instability, jeopardizing democratic systems and impeding government progress. In Tunisia, the 2010/2011 protests sparked the “Arab Spring” movement, leading to the overthrow of President Ben Ali and triggering political upheavals across North Africa and the Middle East. Nigeria’s history is also marked by protests that destabilized governments and impeded governance and development.
The risks posed by mass gatherings, such as protests, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overlooked. Large gatherings increase the potential for virus transmission, further endangering public health. Countries like South Africa have witnessed protests demanding better access to healthcare during the pandemic, necessitating careful consideration of alternative channels for grievances.
While protests can be a powerful tool for change, alternative channels should be explored and prioritized. Dialogue with government officials, parliamentary engagements, or legal actions can provide avenues for peaceful resolution, ensuring sustainable change. Past experiences highlight successful instances where engagement and negotiation have led to positive outcomes, such as Ghana’s “Occupy Flagstaff House” protest in 2014.
The potential for protests to turn violent cannot be underestimated. Violence during protests can lead to property damage, injuries, or even loss of life. The political unrest witnessed in countries like Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with escalating tensions during mass demonstrations.
Protesting movements often demand attention and resources, diverting them away from critical sectors like healthcare and education. This can have grave consequences, especially in developing countries where limited resources are already stretched thin. Cameroon’s ongoing protests in the Anglophone regions have impacted the provision of basic services and added strain to an already fragile healthcare system.
Political instability resulting from protests can deter potential investors, impacting economic growth and exacerbating existing challenges. Investors seek stable and predictable environments to protect their investments, making prolonged protests counterproductive for countries that rely on foreign direct investment. Nigeria’s history is replete with instances when protests led to a decrease in investor confidence and slowed economic progress.
Protests may not always provide the ideal platform for constructive dialogue, essential for meaningful change. Engaging in sincere discussions, negotiations, and collaborations allows for a broader understanding of issues and paves the way for impactful and sustainable solutions. The successful transition in Sudan, which resulted from dialogue between the military and pro-democracy protesters, demonstrates the possibilities when constructive engagement is prioritized.
Protests are not immune to misdirection or being hijacked by interests misaligned with the original goals. This risk can derail the entire movement and detract from the core issues. The Occupy Nigeria protests, initially motivated by fuel subsidy removal, lost their focus and transitioned into a broader expression of citizens’ discontent, diluting the impact that could have been achieved.
Barr. Adelabu concludes that, though protests remain an integral part of democratic society, providing an avenue for citizens to voice their concerns and demand change. However, it is essential to approach protests with caution, learning from past experiences and recognizing the potential consequences they can bring about. By actively exploring and prioritizing alternative channels for resolving grievances, fostering constructive dialogue, and mitigating negative impacts, African countries can strike a balance between accommodating citizens’ voices and ensuring stability and progress.
In her words of admonition to the students of Ayede Federal Polytechnic and other institutions, she said it is imperative to remember that their role in society is to be instruments of positive change, not instruments of violence. In the face of protests or demonstrations, it can be tempting to get caught up in the heat of the moment and resort to destructive or harmful behavior. She urged them to resist the temptation and instead choose the path of peace and constructive dialogue. She further advise that their education is a powerful tool for creating positive impact, and it is essential to use it wisely. Barr. Adelabu advised that violence only leads to more violence, and it is up to them to break this cycle by choosing non-violent means of expression, that they can create a more just and equitable society, and truly live up to their potential as leaders and change-makers.
