Anti-bad government protest: Evaluates whether these demonstrations are genuine calls for reform or merely spark chaos due to hidden agendas and unclear objectives.

As the atmosphere thickens with anticipation for the August 1 nationwide protest, Nigerian youths find themselves at a crossroads. The protest, ostensibly organized to highlight economic hardships, is shrouded in uncertainty and potential peril. While peaceful protests are a hallmark of democracy, the warning bells from various quarters—government officials, traditional rulers, and security agencies—signal a need for caution.

Unmasking the Hidden Puppeteers

The recent warning from the Department of State Services (DSS) paints a troubling picture: the protest may not be as straightforward as it appears. According to intelligence, there are “unscrupulous elements” ready to hijack the event, turning it into a violent spectacle aimed at destabilizing the nation . The DSS’s statement that “the long-term objective is to achieve a regime change, especially at the centre,” should make us ponder the true intentions behind this mobilization .

A Lesson from History: The ENDSARS Movement

We cannot forget the harrowing events of the ENDSARS protests, where the quest for justice spiraled into chaos and bloodshed. The government’s reaction was swift and severe, reminding us that in Nigeria, peaceful intentions can quickly become tragic miscalculations. As President Tinubu recently emphasized, “No government will condone protests that would lead to destruction of lives and property” . The Nigerian government’s stance is clear: they see this protest as a potential threat, despite the organizers’ claims of peaceful intentions.

The Nigerian Factor: A Complex Web of Politics and Power

It’s crucial to consider the “Nigerian factor”—the complex interplay of politics, power, and public sentiment. While the economic grievances are genuine, the motives behind this protest are murky. Traditional rulers like the Ooni of Ife and the Dein of Agbor have expressed concern over the protest’s potential for being hijacked. The Ooni’s advice is telling: “People have the right to protest, but don’t let it be hijacked by people with ulterior motives” .

A Call for Caution and Reflection

In this volatile mix, the youths are both the power and the target. The APC governors have urged young Nigerians to “desist from being instigated into causing crisis or chaos,” emphasizing the government’s efforts to address the country’s economic challenges . The stakes are high, and the consequences could be dire.

Conclusion: A Call to Think Twice

Nigerian youths, before stepping into the fray, consider the hidden agendas and the possible outcomes. The call for protest may seem like a call for justice, but the reality might be far more dangerous. The government is preparing, not just with dialogue but with a readiness to maintain order, possibly through force. Let’s not walk blindly into a situation that could lead to unnecessary loss and turmoil. As the Emir of Zazzau aptly put it, “There is nobody that will not be worried about the protest… We are calling on our people to exercise patience and listen to the words of wisdom” .

In the end, a nation’s strength lies not in its capacity for destruction but in its resilience and wisdom to seek constructive change. Let us not destroy our future in the pursuit of immediate but unclear gains. As the saying goes, “It is very difficult to build, but it is easier to destroy.” Let’s choose the harder, wiser path.