Lanre Awe
Nigerians hardly ever run out of buzzwords and the latest buzz phrase in town now is EndBadGovernance.
If you haven’t heard about it, you’re probably living under a rock, or worse, your Wi-Fi is down. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through this existential crisis of whether to grab a placard or stay home binge-watching Nollywood classics.
First, let’s address the obvious. Nigeria has had more than its fair share of governance hiccups—kind of like that friend who says, “I’m five minutes away,” but hasn’t even left the house.
These protests are a way to channel your inner patriot and demand accountability. After all, who doesn’t want a country where the roads don’t resemble moon craters and the power supply isn’t an unintentional hide-and-seek game?
Joining the protests could be your ticket to being part of something bigger. Imagine telling your future grandkids how you stood up for justice, armed with a angry placard and a bottle of water.
It’s the stuff legends are made of, right up there with those tales of climbing seven hills to get to school.
Beyond the personal anecdotes, there’s the real impact these protests can have. Remember the #EndSARS movement?
It started as a murmur on social media and transformed into a nationwide roar that led to the disbandment of the notorious police unit.
If nothing else, the EndBadGovernance protests serve as a reminder to those in power that the citizens are watching and ready to speak out.
Moreover, there’s a profound sense of community and solidarity that comes with joining a protest.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by fellow Nigerians who share your frustrations and hopes.
The camaraderie, the collective chants, and the shared purpose can be incredibly empowering. It’s not just about standing up to authority; it’s about standing together.
On the flip side, there’s something to be said for watching the chaos from the comfort of your couch.
Protesting in the scorching Nigerian heat is not for the faint-hearted or those with low tolerance for sweat and sunburns.
Plus, there’s the very real concern of safety.
Crowds can be unpredictable, and there’s always the risk of protests being hijacked by elements who think looting is a form of activism.
We’ve seen how peaceful protests can take a violent turn, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces, leading to injuries or worse.
Staying home doesn’t mean you don’t care. It could mean you’re choosing a different battleground—social media.
With the right hashtags and a few strategically placed emojis, your Twitter rant can reach as many people as a protest chant. Plus, you get the added bonus of doing it all while in your pajamas.
Digital activism can be powerful. Remember the Arab Spring? It was largely fueled by social media, with citizens organizing and spreading their message online. Your voice in the digital realm can add to the chorus demanding change without the physical risk.
Additionally, staying home allows you to support the cause in other ways.
Donating to organizations that are on the ground, providing legal aid to arrested protestors, or even creating informative content to educate others can be just as impactful. Not everyone is cut out for the frontline, and that’s okay.
The movement needs strategists, communicators, and financiers as much as it needs boots on the ground.
Maybe the solution isn’t so binary. What if you did both? Attend a protest or two to get the firsthand experience, then retreat to your digital battlestation to amplify the message.
This way, you get the best of both worlds: the street cred of a protestor and the influence of an online warrior.
You could also consider participating in smaller, less risky ways. Attend local community meetings, engage in discussions, and push for change at a grassroots level. Organize or join peaceful rallies that focus on specific issues within the larger EndBadGovernance movement.
This hybrid approach allows you to stay involved without feeling overwhelmed by the scale of nationwide protests.
Ultimately, the decision to join or not to join the EndBadGovernance protest is a personal one.
It’s a balance of passion, practicality, and perhaps a bit of paranoia. But whether you’re on the front lines or the front page of your Instagram, what matters is that you’re engaged in the conversation.
So, grab your placard, or your smartphone, and do your bit. Because at the end of the day, as long as you’re striving for a better Nigeria, you’re on the right side of history.
