How The Government Attacks Civic Movements Like #EndSARS Protest
Tactics and Strategies Used In Time Past
Photo by Pius Utomi Ekpei / AFP
Civic movements like the #EndSARS protest are as old as time itself. While some achieved its goals, others were silenced by various tactics and strategies employed by the government or other bodies.
It is important to note that while the cry for an end to police brutality and a demand for a better policing system is gaining momentum, the government is working overtime like the Devil to put an end to the protests.
According to Dr Charles Apoki in a recently released video, the government employs numerous strategies to quell the move.
In his words;
The youths of today do not understand who they are dealing with. They are dealing with an old warrior, old oligarchist, who knows how to fight.
How does the government try to put an end to protests, what strategies do they deploy?
Here are some methods;
Fear and intimidation
We have seen this happen already. Even when Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, stated that officers have been ordered not to attack protesters, numerous reports contradicting this have been seen.
Officers have assaulted peaceful protesters by beating them with batons, using water cannons and tear gas to disperse them, and shooting at them.
Even the Nigerian Army has pledged its loyalty and commitment to President Muhammadu Buhari and not to the people that elected the President. What the hell!
This is to say that the Nigerian Army could be deployed against protesters at the government’s request. Obviously, a lot of harm could be done.
Unlawful arrest
Since the start of the protest on October 7, 2020, Nigerian youths have been unlawfully arrested and even charged with false accusations. Legal aids, courtesy to #EndSARS movement, have helped people get bailed from police custody.
On Friday, some protesters in Lagos, Abuja, Osun, and Oyo were arrested.
Hire young and hungry youths to disrupt protests
On Friday, October 16, protesters in Edo state were attacked by thugs suspected to have been hired. They attempted to hijack the peaceful protest by harming people. Sadly, at least one person was killed.
Even at Alausa, Ikeja, in Lagos state, on Thursday and Friday, hoodlums attacked protesters, injuring Nigerian youths, while the police force looked on without rendering help to the protesters been attacked.
Bribe representatives and leaders of the movement
Remember how Awka Ibom Governor, Idom Emmanuel, was booed for allegedly trying to bribe representatives of Uyo protest with N4 million?
Lagos state protesters also disgraced MC Oluomo, chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos chapter, by rejecting drinks sent to them at Alausa on Friday. They accused him of sponsoring the thugs that attacked them on Thursday.
Tribal and religious division
In an attempt to create rancour among protesters, the government will introduce tribal and religious differences. They claim it is the West fighting the North, the South against the North and other lies. If that doesn’t pull through, religious bias comes into to play using Christianity and Islam as the subject.
Misinformation and fake news
They try to discredit the movement or representatives. The government hires seeming allies to dilute the message with false information, as we can see in this WhatsApp broadcast message;
They start spreading narratives about how funds are raised through the help of international terrorist groups or politicians. They claim funds are being embezzled by supposed leaders of the movement (thankfully, the #EndSARS movement has no representative. In your face! *tongue out*). They also engage celebrities and influencers to reinforce the lies (these ones go for the highest bidder, SMH).
What To Do
Focus on the message of the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria.
Don't endorse or RT any information that is not for the movement.
Protect your mind against any distractions on how funds are raised or spent.
Educate others on how they can focus on the message and forget distractions.
Let other Nigerians and your families know this movement is for them as well.
May the odds be in our favour!