FixPolitics condemns attack on protesters, warns against ‘another #EndSARS mistake’

FixPolitics Africa, a civil society organisation, has condemned the attack on peaceful protesters across the country.

There has been reports of attacks by security personnel on youths who are on a 10-day nationwide demonstration against pervasive hardship in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, Anthony Ubani
executive director of #FixPolitics Africa, said government’s response to the protests shows a “deep disconnect” with people’s reality.

“The announcement of a citizens-led #EndBadGovernmentinNigeria protest should have been no surprise given the economic downturn, the insidious hunger, and the pervasive sense of hopelessness in the country,” Ubani said.

“Sadly, the government’s reaction and provocative utterances about the planned protests have reflected a deep disconnect with the people’s reality.

“Even worse than the disconnection is the attempt to demonise the valid demands of the hungry populace and brand it as the work of opposition parties.”

He said the August 1-10 nationwide protest provides an opportunity for the government to engage with Nigerians and make more people-centered decisions.

Ubani said the wave of attack on protesters brings back memories of the October 2020 #EndSARS incident at Lekki tollgate.

“The determination of citizens to execute the protests peacefully from August 1 to August 10, 2024, reflects the failure of the government’s underhanded and patronizing tactics to placate the people. It is now the responsibility of the government to ensure the security of the protesters, stop criminal elements from hijacking the protest, and importantly, create opportunities to listen to the citizens,” the statement added.

“To act otherwise will be tragic. Painful memories of #EndSars still linger. The world is watching and citizens are no longer docile. The mistakes of the past should not be repeated, especially in light of ongoing agitations in other African countries.

“These protests planned from August 1, 2024, provide the impetus and the opportunity for the government to rethink its actions of the past 14 months and make the needed changes.

“The pain, suffering and hardship in Nigeria are real and cannot be politicised. The government should eat the humble pie and urgently go back to the drawing board to initiate new people-centred policies to ameliorate the pain and anger across Nigeria.”