Mr. Alex Omotehinse, a human rights activist and leader of the Center for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), discussed the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest and emphasized the importance of government dialogue over blackmailing protesters. Below are excerpts from the interview conducted by Joy Anigbogu.
What is your view about the hunger protest that began on August 1?
I applaud the courageous youths who challenged political leaders by expressing their dissatisfaction with the current governance. Despite government propaganda, people came out to demand that the benefits of democracy be shared with every Nigerian. It is unacceptable for government officials to enjoy luxuries while the masses suffer. For example, the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway has been neglected for eight years. The government’s expenses should be reduced, and minimum wage should apply to all sectors, including political office holders. This is the only way forward.
There were statements made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that were discouraging. Reports indicated he said, “you can continue to protest while we will be eating with President Bola Tinubu.” Such remarks show a lack of concern for the people’s suffering. Threats from groups against protesters should be addressed by security forces, not the peaceful protesters themselves.
The 2020 EndSARS protest was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums. Should protesters have opted for dialogue with the government instead?
The EndSARS protest was disrupted by government agencies, not hijacked by hoodlums. On October 18, 2020, armed thugs attacked protesters in Alausa, but the attackers were handed over to the police and nothing came of it. The violence began when the government imposed a curfew and involved the military. The real culprits were not the protesters but government-hired thugs. The EndSARS protest achieved significant results in less than five days, leading to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa suggested limiting protests to one to three days to avoid economic disruption. What is your opinion on this?
Mr. Adegboruwa’s advice is prudent. While the youth might be capable of prolonged protests, it is wise to avoid giving the government any excuse to use propaganda against them. A one-day protest effectively conveys the message without causing undue disruption. The government has tried to suppress protests through legal restrictions and monetary incentives, but the public turnout indicates a strong desire for change.
The government argues that President Tinubu has barely spent one year in office and needs more time. What do you say to this?
This argument doesn’t hold. In 2012, when former President Goodluck Jonathan had only been in office for a year, we organized “Occupy Nigeria.” Protests now are not driven by partisan politics but by non-partisan citizens. If the roles were reversed, the APC would also be protesting. The current administration’s removal of the fuel subsidy on the first day, coupled with inflation and economic hardship, justifies the immediate public outcry. The effectiveness of a government can often be judged early on, and so far, the signs have been negative.
