PROTESTS AND GOVERNMENT REACTIONS

PROTESTS AND GOVERNMENT REACTIONS

By Bayo Akinlade Esq_

I haven't commented much regarding the EndSars and the recent OccupyLekki protests because I believe that there are larger forces at play in the whole sceneria.

Government always has the upper hand when it comes to information so they are supposed to act based on superior knowledge. Government also has the insight of knowing who benefits, when and how and can decide to make policies based on these interests and information.

Could government have reacted better during the EndSars and OccupyLekki Protests

Protests can be violent or non-violent. Usually, violent protests are spontaneous and reactive while peaceful protests are planned and structured.

When a protest is announced ahead of schedule, it is assumed it has been planned hence peaceful in it's character.
What should Government then do when it knows that a protest will hold as in these Lekki Toll protests?

1. Ensure that the venue is secure by mapping out the trajectory of the protests whether it's in a specific location or a March (multiple locations)

2. Isolate the area of protest to manage the protesters and movement of others not part of the protests. This is done by putting barracades separating the protesters from the general public and from other counter protesters.

3. Provide general protection for the protesters to avert disorderly behaviour and assault

5. Put in place general security protocols and allow for minimal disturbance of public peace.

6. Arrest during protests should be a last resort and only for the protection of protesters and to prevent an escalation of violence by apprehending persons who deliberately cause trouble

Opportunities a protest presents:

There are advantages to a protest that government can leverage on and here are a few...

1. A protest can be used to address the concerns of protesters and this is done when a politician or legislator comes to the protesting venue to speak directly to the people.....YES...protesters are citizens who deserve answers to their questions

2. It saves the government costs in venue and refreshments.....government usually spend billions for public gatherings, townhall meetings, stakeholders conferences etc...a protest saves cost

3. Government can use protests to announce it's plan and other things they are working on to make things better for citizens.

4. Policy Change indicators: Protests are indicators of what the people need most from government. In its very nature protests are an expression of deep frustration with government policies and decisions hence a strong indication that Government should change its policies.

CONCLUSION

A good government will do everything possible to serve the best interest of everyone. Protect the weak against the strong, balance priorities and work tirelessly to ensure that all citizens play their part in making for a better nation.

Let's focus on the issues while isolating our egos. Politicians, civil servants and those in government have gradually become tyrants, breaking the laws with impunity and misappropriating resources.

When the people now rise against these corrupt behaviour of those in government, politicians use the same state resources to oppress dissenters.

A man protests and he is arrested but when the police extorts and collects bribe, when civil servants extorts and collect bribes (clear criminal acts) nothing will happen.

People protest against corruption and they are arrested, is this right? A well meaning Government would have been able to separate the violent protesters from the nonviolent but the means and technology to achieve this has been mismanaged by top level corrupt government officials.

If a government is validated by the obedience of it's people to laws then it goes without saying that a break down of law and order is a vote of no confidence on the current leadership.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT LEKKI TOLL GATE that warrants the interests of the government to this extent?.....we will keep asking questions!