Chapter 1 (2): The Ineffective Tools for Protest

In the recent protests of 2024 in Nigeria, it became apparent that the movement was neither enviable nor successful, largely due to the manner in which it was conducted and the nature of those who participated. However, it is crucial that we do not dismiss the entire effort; there were indeed individuals who genuinely sought to contribute positively, aiming to salvage our nation from the clutches of ravenous wolves in government—those who prioritise their own interests and those of their cronies over the wellbeing of the broader populace. To those who selflessly went out to voice the concerns of the majority, we extend our gratitude and blessings. Thank you.

Yet, I must also speak candidly about the others who participated with misguided motives. Among these were those driven by a struggle for ethnic supremacy, others motivated by hunger and desperation, and some who used the protests as a cover to perpetrate vices. Additionally, there were influential figures—politicians—who felt distanced from the national wealth and saw the protests as a means to exert their influence, as well as those who joined simply to be compensated for their participation. These divisive factors rendered the protests ineffective and polarised the soul of the movement.

Until those committed to protest unite under a common front and share a unified purpose, any effort will be as futile as a steam engine with no fuel. Consider the construction of the Tower of Babel: the people succeeded as long as they were of one mind, but their endeavour crumbled when they became divided. The reasons behind our actions will ultimately determine whether we succeed or fail.

It is imperative that we examine these factors one by one, so we can gain insight into why our struggles over the years have yielded so little fruit.

Fight for Ethnic Supremacy

Over the years, certain ethnic groups have sought to polarise our national front, believing themselves to be supreme. Such a mindset is not only divisive but also detrimental to the progress of our nation. This belief in ethnic superiority has pervaded every facet of our development, stalling growth and creating unnecessary conflict. No ethnic group is supreme; we are all unique in our own way, and it is this diversity that forms the essence of our shared existence.

When you approach any cause with the belief that your ethnicity makes you superior, you are bound to encounter resistance. Those who might have otherwise supported your cause will inevitably withdraw, recognising the inherent injustice in such a stance. If you wish for a protest or movement to succeed, it must be inclusive. You must rally people around a common cause that benefits the collective good, rather than seeking to assert dominance. The true dividends of any movement should lead to the betterment and expansion of opportunities for all, rather than the entrenchment of a select few.

Politicians Leading Protests

When politicians lead protests, it is often not out of a genuine desire for change, but rather a strategic move to discredit the incumbent government and weaken their opponents before the next election. If politicians choose to engage in protests, it should be for legitimate reasons—standing alongside the people in their quest for justice and equity.

To lead protests with the sole aim of seizing power is both malevolent and unethical. Such actions are fraught with risks and often come at the expense of the very people these leaders claim to represent. It is important to remember that, no matter how much one schemes, true power belongs to God, and He determines who will lead at any given time.

History is replete with examples of those who have sought power through unscrupulous means, only to be thwarted when the time came. There are countless stories of individuals who went to great lengths—even committing heinous acts—to secure political positions, yet they were ultimately denied. The lesson here is simple: no one can force their way into power through unethical means and expect to succeed.

Therefore, we must strive to create the right environment in our nation—one that values integrity, inclusivity, and the common good. Only then can we truly progress as a unified and just society.

The Consequences of Protest by People of Low Character

Just because someone of questionable character supports a cause doesn’t mean they have the capacity to sustain or lead it effectively. This is why revolutions led by individuals of dubious morals often result in further disruption and destruction, rather than meaningful change. When people suggest the need for a protest, we should first ask about the character and integrity of those involved.

No one can deliver more than their inherent capacity allows. I recall a few years ago when a former president of our country joined a protest against the then-incumbent president, labelling him a “clueless leader.” However, when fate placed this same former president in power, his performance was even more dismal than the man he had criticised. Under his leadership, Nigeria regressed two steps below the performance of his predecessor. This situation highlights that oratory skills and brute force do not determine the effectiveness of an individual in leadership.

This also brings to mind some young men who, in recent times, were more or less terrorists but claimed to stand up for their communities. I warned others that such individuals could not be trusted with power because, if given the opportunity, they would likely inflict even more harm on the peace and stability of the community. The affliction of groups like Boko Haram serves as a cautionary example. If the surrounding communities had quickly denounced and distanced themselves from such elements from the outset, we might have avoided the problems we face today. A person of vain character will inevitably lose control of the cause they represent over time, leading to chaos.

Protest for Looting

In recent protests, we have seen individuals with ulterior motives, intent on looting public property and even ransacking private shops. Such people are like dead flies in ointment—a destructive force that corrupts the very society they claim to fight for. Take, for example, the recent protests in Kano, where many young people went as far as destroying and looting a government property dedicated to training the next generation of leaders. Consider the immense loss, not only in terms of the physical property but also the depreciation of human capital in that environment. The vast sums of taxpayer money invested in such entities were lost.

No matter the circumstances, such behaviour should never be encouraged. If we do, we are handing a loaded gun to those who would use it against society. Failing to discourage these individuals could lead to a war that we may not be able to contain. When a flood loses control, it destroys everything in its path, including the lives of those nearby.

This is why those who wish to organise protests must first educate, train, and vet the people who will join them. Transforming and changing a nation requires recruiting people who genuinely understand the cause and who are clear about the demands being made of the government. Only then can we ensure that our actions lead to positive, lasting change.

Protest Driven by Hunger and Money

There is a very striking story in the Bible of a young man named Esau, the son of Isaac. Out of hunger, he ignorantly sold his birthright to his younger brother for a mere meal. This serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how desperation can cloud judgement and lead to irreversible decisions.

When driven by hunger and the lack of money, people often become vulnerable, recruited to fight battles they neither initiated nor fully understand. Many find themselves embroiled in struggles orchestrated by others, manipulated by those who offer financial incentives. They march forward, unaware of the real agenda, and risk being consumed by a conflict that was never theirs in the first place.

People motivated by hunger and deprivation rarely act from a place of wisdom or understanding. These basic needs can distort one’s common sense and sense of reasoning. It is widely reported that some influential politicians have financed and paid individuals to participate in protests, not necessarily because these people believed the government was corrupt or inefficient, but simply because they were swayed by the promise of financial gain.

Some join protests not out of a genuine desire for change or justice, but because their immediate needs — hunger and lack — drive them to follow those who offer a temporary solution. This situation highlights how easily people can be manipulated when they are in survival mode, fighting for a cause that does not resonate with their intrinsic values or personal transformation.