The social media almost burst at the seams in the last week, as Nigerians rose stoutly in protests against three events, deserving censure. The issues, which dominated the social media space almost the same time were the rape allegations against Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA, Biodun Fatoyinbo; the RUGA settlements project initiated by the Federal Government to resolve the protracted cattle herders/farmers conflicts and invasion of farmlands in many states; and the assault of a nursing mother by the lawmaker, representing Adamawa North, Senator Elisha Abbo in an Abuja sex toy shop
The rape allegations against the COZA pastor made by Busola, ace photographer and wife of musician, Timmy Dakolo, attracted widespread condemnations. Nigerians who felt strongly against the alleged behaviour of the COZA pastor staged protests at the church’s premises in Abuja and Lagos, demanding that he be prosecuted. The protests forced Fatoyinbo, not only to cancel a planned programme of the church, but also to step aside as senior pastor. His initial denial of the allegations could not withstand the deluge of condemnations and protests.
Similarly, the initial dismissal by Presidency spokesman, Garba Shehu, of the wide condemnation, which dogged the implementation of RUGA settlements in some states, as unhelpful comments could not stand for long. The Federal Government was forced to suspend the project, when individuals, groups and even state governments voiced strong disapproval.
When the Adamawa senator’s assault video went viral, he also made a feeble defence, saying the incident occurred before he became lawmaker. But when the outrage and condemnations grew into a crescendo with many calls for his arrest and prosecution, Senator Abbo budged and issued a national apology.
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What the outcome of those events indicated is the triumph of the will of the people. Nigerians, who appeared to be so docile to condone all manners of ill treatment and outright trampling on rights, have suddenly found their voices.
Nigerians are now taking a cue from the Sudanese, whose protests forced the dictator, Omar al-Bashir out of power after 30 years of misrule and plundering of his nation’s resources. The ex-ruler is now in detention, facing trial for corruption. It was the same people’s sustained protests that forced the 82-year-old ailing Algerian president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika to drop his fifth term bid. He had to quit power abruptly after 20 years, apologising to the people for his failings.
While the citizens have succeeded in using the power of protest to unseat leaders in Sudan and Algeria, public demonstrations have also been recently witnessed in Liberia.
The leaders of the group, Council of Patriots, who spearheaded the protest against the less than 20-month rule of ex-footballer President, George Weah, accused the government of failing to tackle corruption, economic problems, domestic violence and rape.
Beyond Africa, similar protests have been going on, forcing changes by governments in countries, including, Georgia, Hong Kong and Czech Republic.
Although the determination to show that the power to decide the fates of the people ultimately resides with them has not gone without resistance, but the citizens are succeeding more and more in fighting for their freedom and rights.
The events of the past few days in Nigeria are a pointer that the citizens are becoming more aware that their power to effect positive change in the polity goes beyond merely casting votes at the polls. Sustained social media campaigns, mobilisations and physical protests can make the difference.
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And this is sending a note of warning to the federal, states and local governments, that Nigerians are getting tired of the penchant of politicians to forget they are in power to serve the people and that the privilege must not be abused.
Furthermore, it must be getting clearer to all, especially those in high, exalted positions that they must be mindful of their attitudes, behaviours and utterances in private and public spaces. Technology has made it possible that whatever is thought to be hidden can be brought to the open no matter how long. It should teach restraint, good conduct and good example for anyone, who is already in a position of trust or leadership and those aspiring to such heights.
We encourage our compatriots to cast away the toga of inaction and docility, and be more forthcoming, forceful and united in the demand for good governance and conduct from leaders, temporal and spiritual.
This is only when we can live in a decent and progressive society and bequeath worthy legacies to the next generations