By Aliyu Jalal
The nationwide protest against hardship, known as #EndBadGovernance, concluded four days ago, on Saturday, August 10, marking the end of a 10-day demonstration that significantly tensed the country. The protests, which began with the promise of peaceful civil disobedience eventually spiraled into violence in several regions, particularly in the northern states of Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara.
According to reports from The Guardian, 22 people lost their lives, and 175 were injured in clashes. The violence also resulted in extensive damage to both public and private property, with losses estimated in the millions of naira. Images and videos of the destruction flooded social media, which amplified the sense of the chaos. Law enforcement agents across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory also arrested 1,154 individuals during the protest.
The protests were primarily a response to the severe economic difficulties faced by many Nigerians. The removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, among other policies, have exacerbated inflation, making basic necessities increasingly unaffordable. These economic pressures have not only strained household finances but have also led to the collapse of numerous businesses, pushing many into severe poverty. In this context, the protests emerged as a necessary and legitimate means for citizens to voice their grievances against the government.
However, the violence that marred the protests led to a national address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who sought to calm the situation. Despite the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property, many analysts believe that the protests achieved their primary goal by drawing attention to the plight of ordinary Nigerians and compelling the government to acknowledge the urgency of their demands.
Speaking to The Conversation Africa, Professor Toyin Falola, a historian at the University of Texas, emphasized the significance of the protests in the broader context of Nigerian democracy. He noted that these demonstrations served as a critical check on the ruling class, reminding them of their duty to prioritize the needs and concerns of the populace.
“It reminds the ruling class of the need to prioritise their interests and listen to their plight. Demonstrations have always been a successful means of highlighting the need to respect the principles of democracy.
“In Sudan, following the fall of Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, protests led to the formation of a coalition government with the military, and a roadmap for a civilian government through elections. Since the Arab Spring, youth movements have led demonstrations across Africa against dictatorship in countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, Burkina Faso and Senegal.
“However, to save Nigerian democracy, people must think beyond protest. The French Revolution would not have been successful without a well-thought-out political strategy to bring the government from the lofty height of the elites to the people,” Falola said.
However, Falola cautioned that protests alone are insufficient to bring about lasting change. He referenced the French Revolution, emphasizing that without a well-thought-out political strategy, even the most fervent demonstrations can falter, adding that young people in Nigeria have a big role to play in shaping public policy.
He said, “At the beginning of Obafemi Awolowo’s involvement in politics, he was a nationalist and journalist. He criticised government decisions and policies, calling for Nigerian independence at the risk of government backlashes. Awolowo must have realised that the best way to be an effective change agent is not to merely be on the sidelines. He followed his path through the Nigerian Youth Movement and became a prominent hero of the country’s democracy.
“Similar stories could be told about Nnamdi Azikwe, the first ceremonial president of Nigeria between 1960 and 1963. He left journalism for active politics to realise his political aspirations.
“There is a need for the Nigerian youth to coordinate their fronts and become strong political blocs that become part of decision-making processes.
“No change will be achieved if the youth are a few steps away from the seats of power. Young Nigerians must become part of the political fabric of the society, they must not be aloof.
“In the next election, as many young Nigerians as possible should run for election for legislative seats and other political positions. This would influence the policy-making processes of the nation. The youth will have an official mandate to act as watchdogs over government.”
The #EndBadGovernance protests have brought to the fore the deep-seated frustrations among Nigerians. While some of the immediate outcomes have been tragic, the movement has also opened up new possibilities for political engagement and change. As the nation reflects on these events, the challenge now lies in channeling this energy into constructive and lasting policy reforms.