Chapter 3: SOME HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES TO PROTESTS

SOME HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES

When carrying out a protest, it is crucial to remember that whatever is destroyed in the process only sets the course of development back. True patriots and responsible citizens do not engage in destruction as a means to build. If individuals genuinely have the nation’s best interests at heart, they will refrain from destroying properties, looting, or inflicting harm on their fellow citizens.

Those who care deeply about their country will not incite trouble, break laws, or leave a trail of destruction in their wake. It brings to mind the story of King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. When two women came before him, each claiming to be the mother of a child, Solomon proposed to divide the child into two. The woman who was not the true mother agreed to this plan, while the real mother cried out, begging for the child to be spared, even if it meant giving him to the other woman. Through this, Solomon discerned who the real mother was.

In the same way, the manner in which a protest is conducted reveals the intentions and mindset of those involved. If a protest is carried out with violent fervour, destroying everything in its path, we can quickly discern that those involved may have ulterior motives that extend beyond the general interest of the people. They may be more interested in creating chaos than in pursuing genuine change.

Consider, for example, the recent protests that took place in Nigeria in 2024. Many who observed the events concluded that those who engaged in destruction during the protests did not truly have the country’s interests at heart. Such individuals are destroyers, believing that if they cannot achieve their goals, they must destroy everything in their path—much like the deceitful woman in the story of King Solomon.

Successful protests throughout history have shown that peaceful resistance, rather than violence, is often the most effective path to meaningful change. Take the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. Through peaceful protests, sit-ins, and marches, they were able to effect lasting change without resorting to violence. The strength of their movement lay in their commitment to justice and equality, not destruction.

Similarly, the Indian independence movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, embraced the philosophy of non-violent resistance. Despite the enormous pressures and provocations, Gandhi and his followers remained steadfast in their peaceful approach. In the end, it was this unwavering commitment to peace and justice that led to India’s independence from British rule.

Both examples show that the most powerful protests are those rooted in integrity, peace, and a genuine desire to build a better future. Violence, on the other hand, only serves to undermine the cause and alienate the very people whose support is needed to bring about real change. Those who resort to destruction betray the spirit of protest and reveal that their true intentions may not align with the broader goals of the movement.

True patriots understand that to build a nation, one must act with care and responsibility. Protests can be a powerful tool for change, but only when conducted with integrity and a clear focus on the greater good. Destruction, on the other hand, only drags a nation backward and betrays the trust of those who seek genuine progress.

Understand Your Inherent Weakness

When it comes to staging a successful protest, understanding your weaknesses and the limitations of your team is paramount. Before taking any steps, time must be taken to assess and develop strategies to address potential shortcomings. These weaknesses can range from a lack of expertise and poor information dissemination to weak team spirit and an inability to fully pursue the ideologies behind the protest. These are all crucial factors that, if not addressed, could hinder the success of your movement.

Any protest, much like any other project, requires deliberate planning and careful design. Stepping out to challenge a government without preparation is akin to playing a dangerous game. If you fail to identify and address your weaknesses, you are setting yourself up for failure. Awareness of your vulnerabilities allows you to build stronger foundations or implement programs to mitigate these risks. Otherwise, these weaknesses could undermine your very intentions.

A key component of any well-thought-out plan is a solid SWOT analysis – knowing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A protest is not exempt from this rule. Understanding your strengths allows you to leverage them effectively, while recognising your weaknesses gives you the chance to address them before they become fatal flaws. It is also essential to identify opportunities that could be harnessed to enhance your efforts and to be fully aware of the threats that could impede your success.

It is not only important to know your internal strengths and weaknesses, but also to assess the external environment. Is the timing right for your movement? Are the circumstances around you favourable? What type of people are involved, and do they have the commitment and focus needed? These are all factors that will contribute to the success or failure of your protest.

One of the biggest threats to any protest movement is the conservativeness of government. Governments often cling to the status quo to retain power, even if it means perpetuating ideologies that lead to regression. For example, in Nigeria, the immunity granted to presidents and governors has often been abused, obstructing the path to good governance. In this case, the government becomes a formidable force against transformation. Therefore, to counter this, you must have superior strategies – not brute force, but intelligence, knowledge, research, and strong communication with the grassroots.

The term “soul force” was famously used by Mahatma Gandhi and later Martin Luther King Jr. to describe the power of nonviolent resistance. This high level of intelligence, combined with soul force, can be more effective than any physical force in bringing about change. If you can consistently build upon your strengths and reduce the impact of your weaknesses through deliberate oversight, success is within reach.

However, if a community rises against bad governance without first putting its own house in order, it is doomed to failure. Such a movement will crumble, and its members will become, as Chief Obafemi Awolowo so aptly put it, “an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.” The lesson here is clear: no protest can succeed without unity and proper organisation. One thousand people protesting in different directions will achieve nothing; they will be defeated a thousand times over.

Martin Luther King Jr. echoed this sentiment when he said, “Those who love peace must learn to organise as effectively as those who love war.” Change does not come simply by demanding it; it requires intentionality, focus, and a clear vision of what you want to achieve. This is why the number of people involved in a protest is not as important as the quality of their determination and the clarity of their aspirations.

As George Washington, the first President of the United States, once said, “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.” A small group of people who know what they are doing can make a significant difference. Once the leaders of a protest possess the right knowledge and everyone is focused, it is only a matter of time before the movement galvanises an entire nation to support the cause. The strength of a protest lies not in the number of participants, but in their discipline, focus, and ability to organise effectively.