The recent developments in Abuja’s #Endbadgovernance protests offer a sobering look at the challenges facing grassroots movements in Nigeria. As the streets of the capital return to their usual bustle on day six of the planned ten-day demonstration, we’re left to ponder the sustainability and efficacy of such protests in the face of government resistance and public fatigue.
The image of just two women – Ene Obi and Hauwa Mustapha – holding a sit-out at Moshood Abiola stadium is both inspiring and disheartening. Their determination is commendable, but the absence of the crowds that marked earlier days of protest is telling. It raises questions about the movement’s ability to maintain momentum and public engagement over an extended period.
The government’s strategy of confining protesters to a designated area – in this case, inside the stadium – is a textbook example of how authorities can neuter the impact of public demonstrations. By isolating protesters from the public eye and limiting media access, the very purpose of the protest – to be seen and heard – is undermined. This approach, while perhaps less visibly confrontational than tear gas and arrests, is no less effective in silencing dissent.
Ene Obi’s criticisms of the government’s response (or lack thereof) to the protesters’ demands highlight the fundamental disconnect between the ruling class and the citizens they serve. The dismissal of the president’s speech as “totally empty” underscores the growing frustration with leadership that seems out of touch with the realities of everyday Nigerians.
The issues raised by the protesters – from fuel prices to unemployment – are not new. They are systemic problems that have plagued Nigeria for decades. The fact that these same issues continue to drive people to the streets speaks volumes about the failure of successive governments to address the root causes of public discontent.
However, the dwindling numbers at the protest also force us to confront uncomfortable questions about public engagement and the effectiveness of street demonstrations. In a country where economic hardship is a daily reality for many, how long can people afford to take time off work to protest? Are there more sustainable ways to advocate for change?
The movement’s organizers must now grapple with these challenges. How can they revitalize public interest? How can they translate street action into tangible policy changes? And perhaps most crucially, how can they build a movement that’s resilient enough to withstand both government pressure and public fatigue?
As we watch the #Endbadgovernance protests in Abuja potentially fizzle out, it’s clear that the fight against poor governance in Nigeria is far from over. But it may be time for activists and citizens alike to reassess their strategies. The path to meaningful change in Nigeria may require a more diversified approach – one that combines street protests with sustained civic engagement, grassroots organizing, and strategic political action.
Abuja’s #Endbadgovernance the courage of those who continue to speak out, like Obi and Mustapha, is admirable. But for their voices to truly effect change, they’ll need to find ways to amplify their message and build a movement that can outlast the news cycle. The future of Nigeria’s fight against bad governance may depend on it.
Reference
#Endbadgovernance: Abuja Protesters Abandon Organisers To Fate On Day 6 published in Channels.