State federal governments should take definitive actions to tame the tide of the ongoing protests spreading throughout various states of the federation.
What started as a genuine protest over the kidnapping of instructors and pupils in an Oyo State school is slowly taking a various measurement. Teachers in states outside Oyo are now deserting their class to phase solidarity demonstrations, demanding urgent government intervention to protect the release of their associates and the abducted students.
As people and fellow specialists, it is understandable that instructors would sympathize with their colleagues and seek action from the authorities. Their concerns stand, and their require the safe return of the victims are worthy of attention.
Nevertheless, there is growing concern that the demonstrations are beginning to bring in people and groups whose interests may not align with the initial objective. Some rascals appear to be concealing under the situation to escalate stress and broaden the protests beyond their intended purpose.
This is how the #EndSARS protests started in Lagos before they spiralled into a crisis that left enduring scars on the state and the country. What began as a genuine demand for reform was eventually pirated by criminal components who released mayhem, damaged public and private property, and interrupted economic activities.
Today, students in states far gotten rid of from the occurrence in Oyo are remaining at home due to the fact that their teachers are participating in demonstrations. Beyond the instructors, individuals who are neither teachers nor parents of the abducted victims have also signed up with the demonstrations, raising questions about the instructions the movement is taking.
When political activists such as Sowore and his fans become prominent faces at such demonstrations, it is hard to disregard the possibility that the movement is assuming a political dimension. At that point, the focus risks shifting from securing the release of the victims to becoming a platform for wider political agitation versus the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
There are also signs that certain forces might be making use of the situation to create the impression of a nationwide uprising. The enemies of the state are often quick to take advantage of authentic public grievances, providing orchestrated actions as spontaneous expressions of public concern.
Nigerians must keep in mind the lessons of #EndSARS and the terrible consequences that followed, especially in Lagos. A number of those who motivated and benefited from the chaos have actually never represented the damage that took place. The nation can not pay for a repeat of such an experience.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers must for that reason work out care. While pursuing a legitimate cause, it must guarantee that the demonstrations are not hijacked by evildoers masquerading as human rights activists. Not everyone standing on the demonstration ground shares the exact same goal, and some clearly do not have great objectives.
The security of the kidnapped instructors and students must stay the primary focus. Any action that sidetracks from that goal or produces room for condition will just intensify an already agonizing circumstance.