Nigeria, a country of beauty and vast potentials. She has so much diversity in people, culture, religion, languages and seasons. Nigeria is blessed abundantly with natural resources which includes crude oil, limestone, iron ore, fertile soil excellent for agriculture. The people are lovely, hardworking, industrious and very accommodating. If you are touring Africa, you cannot afford to miss Nigeria. Like every other country in world, Nigeria has some challenges and vice. Some of those challenges include police brutality, which has led to nationwide unrest.
The EndSARS Movement
In recent years, Nigerians (majority been youth) have had numerous bad encounters with the police especially the unit called Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Properties are damaged, funds stolen and quite a number of lives were loss during the course of this encounters.
The never ending treachery by the SARS triggered a nation-wide protest. Prior to the protest, it is important to note that there were efforts made by youth, clamouring for justice from the police and its governing body, but it was all futile. Over the years, several announcements were made to the public with regards to police reforms and disbanding SARS. Shortly after, the so-called SARS will be back on the streets to continue their oppression.
Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was created in the 90’s with aim of combating robbery, kidnapping, vehicle theft etc. More so in the recent years, they have failed woefully in achieving their main purpose. They will stop, search, harass youths on the street for using expensive phones, having dreads or tattoos, dressing a certain way, driving nice cars and so on. SARS would bust into apartments with no warrant, just cause or any suspicion whatsoever.
I have a personal experience with SARS few years back. Luckily for me, the trigger happy police men did not put a bullet in me, simply because I asked questions they do not like or the fact that I am young, driving a cool car. They instantly assume I am into fraud, that I must have acquired the vehicle through unscrupulous means. These incident is not unique to me.
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity” — The Art Of War
Countless times, reports where made by the brutalised victims about bad policing but no actions were taken. The officers involved do not lose their jobs or penalised in any form. An average citizens have very little trust in the government to resolve the issue. Hence, the protest… which intention was to force the government hands to take immediate actions. The peaceful protest turn chaotic and violent as hired thugs and security agencies attack the peaceful protesters.
We can not be fazed, we must forge on… for we are fighting not just for us, but for the future generations to come, for a better Nigeria.
Say It As It Is — Our Problems Are Multifaceted
While the EndSARS movement has garnered worldwide attention and support, it is important to know our problems are multifaceted. I strongly believe SARS is just a by-product of our broken system. Day in day out, we experience oppression from top down and bottom up.
The political class oppress those they serve (supposed to serve) and we as individuals oppress each other too. A average elite can get common man arrested just for disrespecting them, well… they can afford too. While another top man, with even deeper pockets and influence can do the same to the above elite, with no due process followed.
Yeah, things are bad but we can do better, be better.
A lot people blame the political class for all our problems… but I beg to differ. We voted them into office. Our leaders were part of us before we choose them to lead us. In essence, we are and deserve our leaders.
If we want good leaders, we as people need to be good.
Although, we cannot all be playing the blame game, It is important to note that a broken system favours some… very few. We as individuals and communities need to proffer solutions and take actions to tackle the problems, we all know too well.
The Way Forward
There has being debates and discussions across board with regards to solutions. Below are some points I strongly believe we need to take individually and collectively in order to strive and progress as a society.
Accountability and Transparency
This is foundation for any Modern civilised society. There is little to no accountability, everyone in Nigeria (including me) believes that we can get away with almost anything… and this is inherently wrong. We need to start holding each other accountable and build rigid systems that ensure it. We should have stable, centralised database systems in the country. There should records for individuals from traffic violation to felony offences.
“When people know they’re being watched, most tend not to commit crime.” — Criminology
We need interlinked systems and transparency between government agencies. That should facilitate tracking and tracing fraudulent transactions. Once we know there are traces to our transactions, links to our names and reputations, corruption will reduce at every level.
Law Enforcement
As important as it is to be accountable, we need to know and feel the consequences of our actions. Many times, corrupt individuals and politicians cater away with billions of public funds, with no fear of retribution or penance.
“Where there is no law, there is no crime.” — Nullum crimen sine lege
Law should be enforced on everyone… from very top, president to the small retailer on the roadside. This is very necessary to our growth development. We need to believe in the system, that it works, and no one should be above the law.
Patriotism and Loving Each Other
The country is divided across multiple ethic groups (major ones are Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba). We need to show kindness to each other and put the country first.
We are stronger together than apart.
We need to understand that there are wolfs lurking around with vested interest and ulterior motives, waiting to see things fall apart… further. Nigerians, you need to understand divide and conquer strategy. It is so much easier to take advantage of people divided than people with a united front. I reiterate… We are stronger together than apart.
I have seen and heard plethora solutions curated by great Nigerian minds and thinkers. Few points resonate with me more… Accountability, Law Enforcement, and Love for each other and country. I believe the changes we need starts from us, individuals. I envision a better Nigeria, a progressive Africa and a safer world.
No one is coming to help us, we need to educate ourselves, take actions now… not tomorrow.
My deepest condolences to the families that lost loved ones during the EndSARS protest. We will keep fighting in every capacity for a better Nigeria and ensure our comrades lives where not lost in vain.
An average Nigerian, Suleiman.
