🟢Warn protesters to desist from fusing tension capable of breeding riot , anarchy.
Webster dictionary defined “RIOT” as a violent public disorder, specifically a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons, group, assembled together and acting with a common intent for public violence, tumult, or disorder.
Similarly, same dictionary defined “PROTEST” defined as a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of dissent. It is also a usually organized public demonstration of disapproval, a complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness usually to an idea or a course of action; An objection made to an official or a governing body.
From the forgoing therefore, the recent trends of events in Nigeria and the tremendous height of apprehension over insecurity and looming protest by citizens is worrisome, unpredictable and fearful.
Looking at the development from the humanitarian angle, It will be very important to lend my humble voice through this medium to call on government to apply every necessary weight and measure to as a matter of urgency, call for peace talk and apply the needed governance to resolve lingering challenges.
Also, the citizens are advised to be calming down and be reasonable enough to present their demands to attract possible solutions without attempt to cause unrest in the country. The state Governors have a sensitive role to play here to make peace with their subjects.
Interviewing some critical stakeholders across the zones, I have in addition, perceived fear from both the sides of people and government because any affect on either sides will definitely affect the entire system of government and the society will suffer the shout down coupled with the already existing season of HardTime battling the economical hub of the country. This situation, from my egalitarian Princely view call for immediate intervention to manage perceived looming disaster because I am very sure such challenging time cannot be permanent.
In the words of Sharon Burrow, “Globalization could be the answer to many of the world’s seemingly intractable problems. But this requires strong democratic foundations based on a political will to ensure equity and justice.
It will be advisable the leadership ensure that the global market is embedded in broadly shared values and practices that reflect global social needs, and that all the world’s people particularly Nigerians will share the benefits of globalization.
Again, Aristotle posited that Man perfected by society is the best of all animals. He is the most terrible of all when he lives without law, and without justice.
In other words , all men are animals if not regulated by law and Men can revolt to certain laws if denied of justice.
As a people, I want us to acknowledge the fact that every law has its right and responsibility and speaking inline with the deep words of Pythagoras “Without Justice, no realm will prosper”
At such a time and season , when the people are being seriously frightened by the conditions of government, it will be very important for all and sundry to note the fact that taken caution as a government is not cowardly and as a people and responsible citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, carelessness cannot be translated to courage.
From research and deep study, I have never seen any perfect government on planet earth but some government can be said to be far better than others.
Such governments that are defeated by perfection can engage in better policies and programs to either improve or upgrade to a classical standard of administration, management to attracting rapid development globalization.
Continents like Europe, Asia and America have experienced serial challenges in government but the benefits derived from such challenging times is what improve their lands and stabilized their economy.
Recall that countries like China, Dubai, Malaysia, South Africa, Ghana and even Benin Republic are not better than Nigeria in terms of natural deposits but today the testaments of governments in these countries are glaring and commendable.
Some of these countries visit Nigeria to suck on the deposits and explore its advantages than the owners. Nigeria has crude and how many refineries in Nigeria are functionally refining crude?
Space may not permit me to list out the numbers of numerous ores and natural deposits in the country. But the question is, how many of the deposits is processed and utilized to better the country?
In Leadership, how many of the political leaders are working to preserve the freedom and unity of Nigeria? Does the recitation of the national anthem and national pledge in practicality capture the attitudinal and nationalistic mindsets of citizens? Are the leaders sensitive of the sufferings the people are going through?
Little wonder , James Byrnes posited the obviousness of power tests while noting that power intoxicates men. He also hinted that power cannot be voluntarily surrendered unless otherwise, it must be taken from them. Here, the leaders have to be held responsible in the case of any eventuality or failure of government.
It is a well known fact that the quest for power tussle , the crises of leadership today are still the mediocrity or irresponsibility of so many of men and women in power.
This could be traced to the singular reason Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu of the blessed memory stated that the leadership of this country, such a serious matter and should not be abandoned to the accident of birth and area of extraction.
The non inclusivity of Youths in the affairs of governance has a retarding tendency that may shutdown governance unexpectedly. This will be possible when those expected to take over or hand over power to, cannot be groomed or absorbed in the system to standby in the corridors of power for proper tutoring and possible take over of power.
And when a government is stagnated or shutdown in error, when governance becomes unbearable, then anarchy and unrest will automatically become the dividend of democracy which is equal to revolution. I wish we adjust immediately.
On the other hand, constitutional review is a sensitive aspect of governance that must not be toiled with. Any attempt on the laws and constitution of the country will definitely bounce back at the people.
The legislative arm of government has this primary obligation to establish laws that will benefit the people and not laws to stagnant the system and possibly eliminate the people.
It is commendable of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to grant autonomous status to the local government which is the third tier. The upcoming LG elections if well handled will produce a functional legislation in this sector and down to the grassroots.
Years back, Anonymous told us something great about the quality of a true leader and such factors will remain prominent in the affairs of men on earth. He said, ” A true leader has the confidence to stand alone. The courage to make tough decisions. And the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader . But becomes one by the equality of his actions and integrity of his intent”.
Political leaders are saddled with the responsibility to listen to the needs of their people and at same time proffer needed solution without politicizing the entire system. The people should on their part be law abiding and not to take laws into hands.
This is the most reason the security apparatus needs to be well funded and officers in this call of duty be well trained and cautioned against all odds. This is simply because if the security is porous, the entire efforts of government will be defeated having taken to cognizance the welfare and security of every Nigerian citizens is most Paramount.
Nobody can escape hardship by committing suicide or killing one another. A call in the right direction is for every Nigerian citizens to think aright and chat a good course being backed up by law. By doing so, protesters can challenge their matter in a court of competent jurisdiction to secure judgement.
In a nutshell, while acknowledging the democratic right to protest, defense Minister cautioned against using the protest to cause mayhem. This warning is acceptable because the hoodlums may likely hide under the cover of peaceful protest to use the process of protest to unleash troubles.
It is a fundamental right of citizens to stage protest to express their feelings and make reasonable requests. But a check on this by the government in power is also very important to avoid causing unrest that may likely lead to revolution.
There is no doubt, Nigeria is facing a harsh economical challenge but from every indication, government is working to improve the system. We must as a people desist from fusing tension capable of breedng riot or anarchy.
It is no longer a hiding reality that the pains is highly excruciating on the flesh and blood of citizens and the government is expected to find swift lasting solution to improving the leadership and stabilise the country against looming revolution.
Let good be done!
Princely Onyenwe writes Owerri.
