Still on RevolutionNow and Mindsets

Still on RevolutionNow and Mindsets
By Emmanuel Otiotio

Many Nigerians thought it was a joke the threat of Global
Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria to stage a
nationwide protest tagged #revolutionisnow. Until when the convener
of the group, Oyewole Sowore and other members were arrested by the
Department of State Service (DSS).

The agitation of the group and the arrest have led to increased
discourse about the issue. The DSS has confirmed the arrest of
Sowore and cited his “crossing the line” for making statements to
incite the general public to violently overthrow the present
administration.

The group claims that its major aim was to bring to the fore the
ills and injustices prevalent in Nigerian society.

Meanwhile, the presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu condemned
the proposed protests, linking them to past bloody revolutions and
coups in other countries. He said the protesters were hiding behind
the veil of social media modernity and void of legitimacy to
attempt to wreak havoc in the polity. The presidency said it is
wholly against any undemocratic leadership but posited that the
protest leaders should utilise the existing avenues for
governmental change – ballot boxes and elections.

While some groups and individuals have commended the initiative
of the group, other condemned the protests.

The President of Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba
said he respects the right of protesters to peaceful protests but
insisted such demonstrations should be targeted at specific issues
that have been thoroughly contested in the appropriate quarters of
the National Assembly. This would give a clear picture of the
agenda behind the intended protests.

Nyesom Wike, the governor Rivers state also completely detracted
the protests, outrightly instructing security agents to prosecute
and arrest anyone who participated in the protests. He warned the
conveners to stay away from the state as the state did not support
or believe in whatever the agenda the protests were set up for.

Among those standing in support of the protests and speaking
against the arrest of Sowore, the loudest voice is arguably that of
prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana. He has criticised the
government’s misinterpretation of the word “revolution”. He claims
the government and its agencies have jumped on the word and are
utilising it as a justification for arresting Sowore. He also
believes the labelling of the protests as “terroristic” and
“treasonable” is extreme and unnecessary.

Another prominent promoter is renowned literary giant Professor
Wole Soyinka. He has outrightly condemned the arrest of Sowore and
the prevalent narrative that the protest aims to violently
overthrow the government.

He warned the current administration against repeating past
mistakes and remove cynical decision-making against the time-tested
and proven democratic practice of public demonstration. He cited
the examples of oppressive methods of countering protests under the
Sani Abacha regime and urged the present administration to take
criticism with grace as opposed to using unconstitutional means to
silence detractors.

Generally, many Nigerians view the timing of these protests as
wrong and somewhat suspicious given the political involvements of
Sowore. Nevertheless, others are of the view that the DSS is
becoming a political tool for every party in power and protector of
the landlord in the Aso Rock.
I strongly believe that a revolution at this stage should focus on
changing the mindsets through reorientation and public awareness
campaign on good governance as opposed to a mass demonstration.
This caution is born from the current state of tension in the
nation and many believe such a protest could be the spark that
ignites the Nigerian tinderbox.

Emmanuel Otiotio
A student of Mass Communication
Mountain Top University
Ogun State