Last Word Before The Protest, by Magaji Galadima Abdullahi

Last Word Before The Protest, by Magaji Galadima Abdullahi

Apparently, unknown hungry and angry Nigerian youth are poised for a nationwide protest in the coming days. Despite the federal government’s efforts and overtures to stop it, the faceless organisers are ready to try their luck even if it is going to be heads for the government to win, and tails for the youth to lose. Voices of wisdom and echoes of reason have been sent from various angles cautioning that the protest can possibly be hijacked by hoodlum and other groups with sinister motives, but it seems the youth have reached a point of no return at this nadir of desperate precarity.
In view of the national security implication of the protest , one must approach the unfolding events in Nigeria not as a mere commentator but as a concerned patriotic citizen with deep insights into the country’s volatile dynamics. As Nigeria stands on the precipice of widespread unrest, driven by an unknown but vehemently angry youth ready to protest, the parallels to the tragic fates of Syria, Libya, and Sudan are stark and serve as a dire warning.

Nigeria, a nation forged from the colonial crucible, remains deeply divided along religious and tribal lines, with a predominantly Muslim North and a largely Christian South. These deep-seated divisions, coupled with a history of sectarian violence and even civil war, have left Nigeria vulnerable to internal and external manipulations. The country’s vast population and abundant natural resources make it a prime target for those seeking to exploit its potential for their gain.

The Looming Threat

Currently, Nigeria is once again under siege, not just from within but from external forces seeking to capitalise on its internal divisions. The terrorist organisation Boko Haram, which once terrorized the North, has splintered into various factions, each more radical and unpredictable than the last. The government’s military efforts to curtail these threats have been met with limited success, with insurgent attacks and kidnappings becoming distressingly commonplace.

The current climate of discontent is further exacerbated by economic woes, including rising inflation, food scarcity, prohibitive cost of essential commidities, endemic corruption, mismanagement, and unemployment.

These conditions have created fertile ground for unrest, with youth across the nation poised to take to the streets in a protest that could easily spiral out of control. The specter of a large-scale uprising looms, reminiscent of the current debacle in Kenya and the Arab Spring that led to the catastrophic unraveling of nations like Syria, Libya, and Sudan.

Historical Parallels and Warnings

The examples of Syria, Libya, and Sudan are chilling. In Syria, peaceful protests against the government in 2011 descended into a brutal civil war, drawing in foreign powers and resulting in a humanitarian disaster. Libya saw the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, leading to a power vacuum that plunged the country into chaos and ongoing conflict. Sudan, after decades of civil war, continues to grapple with internal strife and humanitarian crises. These cautionary tales highlight the devastating consequences of protests and the critical importance of listening to the voices of reason, timely and effective intervention.

The Geopolitical Chessboard

Nigeria’s current predicament is not merely a result of internal failings but also of external geopolitical maneuvering. Foreign governments and entities have long seen Nigeria as a pawn in their strategic games, seeking to destabilize the region for their benefit. The pattern is disturbingly familiar: foment unrest, then step in with “solutions” that further their agendas, leaving the nation weakened and divided. Borno state is a good case in point; hundreds of foreign NGOs are there, pretending to be helping victims of Boko Haram, while in reality, their activities leave a lot to be desired.

A Call to Action

In this critical moment, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The government must act decisively to address the root causes of discontent. This means implementing genuine reforms, tackling corruption, and fostering economic opportunities for the youth. The government must also engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to bridge the religious and ethnic divides that threaten the nation’s cohesion. In the same vein, Nigeria must be wary of external influences that seek to exploit its vulnerabilities. The lessons from Syria, Libya, and Sudan are clear: the path to stability lies in internal unity and resilience against external manipulations. All stakeholders must understand that foreign arms dealers are desperately looking for new customers.

After the Rwandan massacre in the 90s, world leaders, full of guilt and shame, gathered in Devon and took a stand that such savagery must never be allowed to reoccur anywhere else in the world. Time has, however, proved these to be hypocritical rhetoric as similar atrocities had happened in other countries and the world powers did nothing to stop it. The worst genocide in human history is currently going on in Gaza, but is the world even aware of what is happening in Gaza?
Who is talking about Sudan now? Today, human traffickers are selling Sudanese women as slaves in rich Arab countries and no one cares. Does anyone think Nigeria’s case would be any different?

Let us know

As Nigeria braces for the potential storm ahead, it is imperative to heed the lessons of history and act with foresight and determination. The fate of Nigeria holds profound implications not only for Africa but for global stability. By addressing the underlying issues and steering clear of the traps set by foreign powers, Nigeria can navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger. The world watches, and the path we choose will reverberate far beyond its borders. Only through unity, decisive action, and vigilance can Nigeria avert the looming disaster and secure a prosperous future for us all.