I have been following this because of the friends I’ve made at hive and all I learned about Nigeria here.
I have been in a few protests, even saw some violent ones as well as some that were so much fun. The ones in power will always find a way to make them turn violent if they see a threat. It doesn’t matter what laws they claim to uphold. Usually in westernized countries, they will find ways to turn everyone against each other or stage counter protests. Once they start bloodying people, that’s when I think it’s time to go home. You can’t change the world if you are dead.
If someone becomes a martyr it may lead to change but I don’t think anyone should have to do that. It’s such a tragic thing to see. Often times it doesn’t lead to change though.
The best strategy I think is to protest up until the point that people feel they agree, and then take that energy into the communities and daily life. The ideal situation is to make the policing feel redundant because people take care of each other.
I think building a sense of community and acceptance (not just tolerance) is the most productive way to change things. I hope the protests are causing people to realize this!
I am excited for Nigeria’s future, I only hope this terrible transition period can end without more bloodshed.
Protest may not have any effect in this country, once you come out to protest, they come for your live.
They have the arms power and authority while protesters themselves are armless.
The government has been passed down to certain group of persons alone and they want to keep this and pass it down to their generation.
If only there was a strategy to break that trend and include youth and selfless people in government.
This is the important thing to note. And I don't think current Nigeria is one to die for.
There will definitely be bloodshed either on the part of the old ones or the youths. The Older ones are not ready to step down and if the youths decide to come against them they will be dead because they are the ones in power.