The alert by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state of the probable resumption of another round of #EndSARS protests nationwide was an ample demonstration of statesmanship. The planned resumption of the #EndSARS protest is a not only a cause for worry but should be condemned by all well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians as well as the international community. It is quite unreasonable, callous and insensitive for anyone to contemplate let alone plan another round of protest at a time the nation is yet to recover from the disastrous effects of the first #EndSARS protests.
The governor, who appealed to Nigerian youths to shelve any plan of embarking on another round of #EndSARS protests, said such move would be premature, dangerous and counter-productive. Bello, in a special broadcast to Nigerian youths a fortnight ago, said he was worried following intelligence reports that youths were mobilising to resume another round of #EndSARS protests in some selected cities. He said there was an urgent need for all relevant stakeholders to take steps that would ensure the country does not witness another round of #EndSARS protests.
He said the country was yet to recover from the impact of the last #EndSARS protests which were hijacked by hoodlums to unleash mayhem. According to him, another round of protests will worsen the already precarious security situation and economic recession currently bedevilling the country.
“I deem another round of #EndSARS protests to be premature and counter-productive at this time. Apart from the higher likelihood of conflict with the police, we must also admit that the security situation in the country is very precarious at the moment.
“All patriots must, therefore, make conscious efforts not to degrade a parlous security situation further. Nationwide protests at this time will only overburden the load-bearing capabilities of our security architecture, increasing the likelihood of total collapse. No matter the narrative, I doubt that out-of-control anarchy is an objective of the #EndSARS protests”, he said.
Following Governor Bello’s alert, security operatives besieged the Lekki tollgate in Lagos to prevent further #EndSARS protests. Soldiers and policemen were said to have arrived at the tollgate in four trucks penultimate Monday morning. Commuters said that the gun-wielding security operatives placed themselves in strategic locations around the area. It was also learnt that youths had started gathering around the area to resume the protest.
In October, the #EndSARS protest took place at Lekki and at different locations in the state for more than two weeks.
The protest was later hijacked by hoodlums, which led to loss of lives and property. On October 20, soldiers invaded the Lekki tollgate and allegedly shot some of the protesters. In November, Mohammed Adamu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), said the force would never allow another type of #EndSARS protest again, adding that the police are ready to face anyone who participates in the protest.
President Muhammadu Buhari had also said the government would prevent a repeat of the protest just as the protests resurfaced in Oshogbo, Osun state on Monday. He warned that “any act of hooliganism hiding behind lawful and peaceful protests will be dealt with decisively to ensure peace and stability in the country.”
Virtually declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020, Buhari commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts at restoring law and order in various states during the unrest that ensued in the wake of the #EndSARS protests. He said his government was committed to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the land.
He, however, said the #EndSARS protests were “sadly hijacked by hooligans to cause wanton damage to lives and property in many cities across the country.” The president described 2020 as a very challenging year, citing the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and its negative impact on almost every aspect of national life.
“Despite this, I am pleased to note that the Army remained resolute in the discharge of its constitutional roles and in keeping the wealth and welfare of our soldiers a priority. The Army’s support of civil authorities in the management of the Covid-19 pandemic is a case in point.
“Also, the peaceful elections conducted in Edo and Ondo states would not have been achieved without the high level of professionalism displayed by all security agencies, including the Army”, he said at the conference themed “Human Capacity Development in Sustaining Professionalism and Responsiveness of the Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles.”
The proactive actions by the Kogi state governor and the stern warning by the president are quite commendable as they, to a large extent, helped to nip the second round of the #EndSARS protest and its consequential mayhem in the bud.
This, indeed, is a remarkable departure from the initial protests which were allowed to degenerate into violence and monumental destruction of lives and property. Certainly, the nation cannot afford another round of protests whether in the garb of #EndSARS or any other disgruntled group.
