The idea of protests are a lofty one. The people coming out in their numbers to voice out their discontent towards their superior or leader.
In Nigeria, we have been witnessed to numerous protests, most rowdy, some bloody, none peaceful.
Due to the incompetence of our leaders, the discontent of the people are never ending and at such neither are the protests😂.
I've never been actively involved in any protests, but I have seen plenty; protests on a corporation, protests on a school, protests on the government.
Sadly, the ratio of the amounts of protests to the amount of instances when demands are met is incredibly low.
Most times, the protests seems like a waste of energy and resources on the people's part, as the party in charge either ignores them or gives them a compromise that doesn't solve but simply postpones the issues.
Then there are the rare dreaded times when the protests are shut down with violence.
When thinking of violent protests in Nigeria, the only time coming to my head is the Lekki Toll Gate protest of 20th Of October 2020. This isn't the only instance, but this was the most gory. It's also known as the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre.
Peaceful protesters shot at and numerous killed, it was a really sad day for our country, and we really shamed ourselves worldwide.
The most recent protest I've come across is the UNIBEN student protest that happened just last week😂
This is a protest that although has a serious motive, has had me laughing all though due to the numerous memes and caricature substances that have been made from it😂.
The students after enduring a school wide blackout for over 2 months came together to air their complaints.
They shut down their school, disrupting lectures and closing the roads.
The VC has indefinitely shut down the school herself, sending all students home till the lights are eventually fixed.
This is my serious version.
Now watch this small musical and animation video that'll show the comedic and satirical version.
https://youtube.com/shorts/x1aThIGDjFk?si=778-dl03wdpYG3CP
Protests are just one of the ways that the public can raise their voices and air their complaints to oppressive use of power.
Its a necessary tool although not often successful.
I do promote peaceful protests though, yet the fact is that it's easy for one to ignore people who aren't making any noise or causing any problems. Yet if the protesters do get violent to help increase the volume of their voices, those who are protested against can use greater violence to deafen or mute those voices.
A protest would work well in a country where the government actually listens. Sadly there's hardly any country that's like that.
This is my entry into Day 7 of the #julyinleo monthly prompt posted by @leogrowth
If you're out of ideas and in need of some... This is a good place to start.
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