The events of the past few days have left me shocked and drained. The peaceful #EndSARS protests that started about two weeks ago in different parts of Nigeria gave me insight into the resilience, brilliance, connectivity, selflessness and doggedness of the Nigerian youth. It made me see beyond the widespread narrative that we are a bunch of lazy folks. It made me realize that given the right platform and opportunity, we will build bridges over the widest oceans and help one another across. And for the first time in a long time, I had deep pride and hope for a new and better Nigeria.
Then the unimaginable happened. The traumatizing shooting of unarmed peaceful protesters by men in military uniform at Lekki toll gate on Tuesday, 20 October 2020. This left me and many others heartbroken, distressed but even more fired to see an end to the evil systems of governance beguiling our nation.
We wanted our president to speak to us and address the situation. However, his 12-minute speech on Thursday, 22 October 2020 left us even more distressed. Nonetheless, the hope and fight for a new Nigeria is not finished yet. Even though the #EndSARS peaceful protests on the streets have been ordered to an end by the Grand Commander-in-Chief of our dear nation, we must not lose sight of the big picture.
Dear Nigerian Youth (Single or married), home or abroad. I know the current situation is a bitter pill to swallow. However, it is he who fights and runs away that lives to fight another day. So I appeal to us all to retreat for now. Stay safe. Observe the curfew if there’s any in your state of residence. Retire for now so we can refire more strategically when the time comes.
Through the #EndSARS protests, we have seen and proven among other things that:
- We can be united and speak with one voice despite our different tribes, religions, age and social status.
- We can boldly challenge the status quo without resorting to violence or evil.
- We can leverage the social media to reach anyone and everyone.
In this time and in the coming days, weeks, months and years to the next election, let us remember that those who died in this fight have not died in vain. So let us continue to pray and make prophetic decrees over Nigeria. Let us stand united with one voice and choose those who will rightly represent us in every sector and quota in the next elections. Let us get our PVC (Permanent Voter’s Card) ready. And let us keep the hope and fight for a new and better Nigeria alive with our thoughts, speech and actions.
May God comfort the families of everyone bereaved due to the #EndSARS protests, and those affected by the breakdown of law and order in the past few days. Nigeria will arise again.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
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CHINYEREDISTINGUISHED CHIMEZIE (nee ANOKE) is an Award-Winning Author of three fast-selling books: SINGLE, FRUITFUL, FULFILLED, TURNING 28 and 29 LESSONS AT 29.
