Prof. Chris Nwaokobia, a rights activist and the Convener of Country First Movement, shares his views with ISMAEEL UTHMAN on the recent nationwide protests and challenges facing Nigeria.
What led you to believe that the protests in Nigeria were long overdue?
The Nigerian people are grappling with issues like hunger, unemployment, food scarcity, inflation, and widespread insecurity. In the past, insecurity was mainly confined to the North-East and sporadic incidents in the North-West and Abuja. However, since May 2019, terrorism has spread across the nation, becoming a national crisis affecting all regions.
This ongoing situation is a tragedy. Kidnapping for ransom has emerged as a new criminal enterprise alongside corruption in the government. It is abnormal for the people to remain silent in the face of these challenges. The younger generation, especially Gen Z, has taken a stand to challenge the existing order and demand better outcomes. The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to assembly, express dissenting views, and protest peacefully.
Therefore, I urge the government to engage with the people, particularly the youth, and refrain from intimidating them over the protests. Instead of using state resources to undermine the protesters, the government should address their concerns. Not everyone will participate in a protest, and attempting to suppress dissent lowers the moral standards of the nation. I am concerned about the government’s approach to these issues. If left unchecked, the criminal act of kidnapping for ransom could incentivize young people to threaten the government with protests for monetary gain.
Those in power are jeopardizing our dignity, integrity, credibility, and values as a nation. It is essential for us, as patriotic citizens, to demand that the government tackle the core issues raised by the protesters to propel the country forward.
Why do you attribute the worsening insecurity solely to the current APC government?
Insecurity has been a persistent issue from the administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo to Goodluck Jonathan. However, it has notably escalated under the APC leadership. The government has allocated significant resources to combat insurgency and ensure security, yet the situation has deteriorated. Traveling by road from Abuja or Lagos to various parts of the country has become risky due to insecurity. The priority should be enhancing the security of lives and property instead of threatening disappointed citizens.
The trend of worsening conditions with each new administration underscores the failure of successive governments. This has led Nigerians to demand new leadership and reforms, particularly advocating for the restructuring of the nation to instill trust in the system.
Do you believe Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi could have positively impacted the situation?
Any leader who prioritizes restructuring the country’s governance and economic framework would have made a difference. A government focusing on fostering healthy competition among states and regions, while reverting to constitutional models like the Independence or 1963 Republican Constitution, would yield better results. Without such reforms, leaders like Tinubu, Atiku, or Obi might also fall short of expectations.
How do you respond to allegations that the protests are politically motivated?
Any protest advocating for human rights, reforms, and good governance inherently carries political undertones. In some countries, opposition parties often support or fund such movements. Criticizing the government through protests is inherently political. Demanding rights protection, job creation, and better governance is fundamentally political. Whether the protest aligns with a particular political party is a separate issue.
It is time to discern the underlying motives behind protests and not be swayed by misinformation. What truly matters is that Nigerians are voicing their concerns against hunger, unemployment, poverty, and governance lapses.
We witnessed a demonstration that reflects the disregard for moral values, due process, integrity, and conscience under the current administration. Many of the young individuals holding press conferences seem conflicted, speaking against their own beliefs, possibly due to compromise. Not everyone needs to partake in protests, ignorance of the consequences of their actions today will be their judgment tomorrow.
An emerging term in Nigeria is “cashtivist,” referring to activists turning to work for monetary gain from the government. These individuals disassociate themselves from protests they did not organize, showcasing a facade of principles. It’s time to guide our youth to speak responsibly, act constructively, and prioritize the nation. Truth resides within the core of brotherhood, and opposition reflects patriotism.
It’s essential to encourage selflessness and love for the country, reducing the allure of quick wealth. Those opposing the protests are driven by a shallow pursuit of monetary gain. There are even protesters supporting hunger, displaying a Stockholm syndrome-like behavior.
The events of the 2020 EndSARS have instilled fear in both state and non-state actors regarding nationwide protests. What factors do you believe sparked the violence during the EndSARS demonstrations, and how can such occurrences be prevented in the future?
The eruption of violence towards the end of the EndSARS movement was orchestrated by state entities. Deliberate actions were taken to disrupt the peace, using hired thugs and instigators to derail the peaceful protests. The government must recognize that protestors are not enemies but citizens seeking change.
Fear of violence only materializes if provoked by state machinery; if left unimpeded, protests will remain peaceful. Those opposed to non-violent demonstrations are the ones harboring violent intentions. It’s crucial for the authorities to exercise restraint and avoid inciting chaos.
How can the government address the pervasive issues of hunger and poverty in the nation?
Reforming the system is paramount for addressing these challenges. Prioritizing restructuring, declaring an agricultural emergency, and enhancing security are vital steps. Empowering states to manage local concerns, ensuring national safety, and attracting foreign investments are instrumental in combating hunger and poverty.
Failure to adopt these measures will only perpetuate dissent among Nigerians. Government must assume responsibility, usher in progressive policies, and guarantee citizens’ well-being.
How do you propose to uplift those disheartened by the state of affairs in the country?
A widespread sense of discouragement arises from prevailing issues such as poverty and disease. Leadership plays a pivotal role in imbuing hope and confidence among the populace. Resolving underlying contradictions and demonstrating genuine concern for citizens’ welfare are critical for restoring faith in leadership.
Young protestors should conduct themselves with discipline and decorum during demonstrations to effectively convey their grievances.
What measures do you suggest to address the devaluation of the naira and its economic implications?
Prioritize local currency transactions to preserve the value of the naira. Government officials must exhibit responsibility by favoring domestically-produced goods and curb unnecessary expenditures in foreign currencies. Emphasizing production over consumption will bolster the economy and stabilize the currency’s value.