After I watched this video I had mixed reactions. The first was "mind your business, you dont have a clue" and the other was "hmmm....well done! nicely said!"
I think this would have hit home or made more sense if it was a Nigerian who said this. I think it would have appealed to people more? then again, how many Nigerians are ready to make such a video or conduct such a protest?
One can look at this situation in 2 ways:
Nigerians are not very good at handling national protests. Its either some complain and do nothing ("yes o! we must protest!" but they dont!) or some go to the extreme (engaging in violence, fighting, etc). In addition, Nigerian officials are always angry and never treat protesters with respect. For instance, the recent fuel subsidy removal resulted in a demonstration that left many either injured or assaulted. It is probably for this reason that many are weary of participating. Even another protest against the Prices at Lekki Toll gate left many discouraged as a result of the rough handling by many police officers, even to people who were trying to lead a violent free protest. At the end of the day, these led to little or no change and everyone has accepted it and probably adjusted to the system.
Can we really protest against Boko Haram? How and Where?
Sadly, Nigeria is a country where the radicals and those passionate for positive change either end up in prison or are killed and this is not very encouraging. Even those who last long enough end up being bribed to the other side. It takes courage and extreme passion to fight for justice, sometimes to the death and many Nigerians have affirmed that they cannot die for their country.
On the other hand...
The protest held by Unilag students showed that numbers can create an impact in society. Recently, the president changed the name of The University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University but this has been overruled by the senate who object stating that certain procedures need to be carried out before this could be done. Many Nigerians would agree that the name of the university has a great effect on job opportunities both home and abroad. UNILAG is the Lagos HARVARD; this is the name that has been and will always be recognized by companies and foreign universities. Besides the shallow reasons for the protest, I think this is a really good one!
So the moral of the story is there will always be Nigerians who will protest for what they can, one can only try in their own way and things that are beyond one's power are left to prayer.
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