Urging Youths To Bridge Divides Between North And South In Speaking Truth To Power, by Isaac Asabor

It is unarguably a stale news to report that in October 2020 that youths in Lagos took to the streets in protest against police brutality, and demanded for the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The reason for their demand was justified as there were evidences that showed that for years, the SARS unit continuously harassed, maimed, and even killed not a few youths. Against the backdrop of the extra judicial killings that became rampant, harsh tag for disbanding the police unit, #EndSars, became viral on social media platforms, and consequently culminated in nationwide protests, particularly in Southern Nigeria, and spread to many parts of the world. In northern Nigeria however, the protests did not seem to gain as much traction with only three northern states, Kano, Kaduna, and Plateau, taking part in the protests but not as pronounced in virtually all the States in the Southern part of the country.

On October 10th, the leadership of Arewa Youth Consultative Council (AYCC), an organization dedicated to the unity of Nigerians of Northern extract wrote a memo to the then President Buhari declaring its support for SARS as it disapproved calls for SARS dissolution, and dubbed the call as unpatriotic, reckless, and callous.

Instead, the council pushed for structural reforms within SARS. Consequently, ProSARS protests emerged in some northern states like Borno, Jigawa, and Zamfara, with northern youths taking to the streets to support the controversial police unit.  In a similar vein, on October 15th, 19 northern governors convened an emergency meeting, condemning the #EndSARS protests in virtually all Southern States. They argued that SARS played a crucial role in curbing insecurity in northern Nigeria and cautioned that dissolving SARS could embolden insurgents in the region”.

In fact, it is not an exaggeration to opine in this context that during the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari that protests were relatively uncommon in the northern parts of Nigeria. Many northerners refrained from joining protests because they seemingly considered Buhari to be their “brother or their own person”.

However, it is worth noting in this context that in the case of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests which started on August 1, 2024, compelling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the nation on Sunday, August 4, 2024, that the situation is unarguably different in the north.

To buttress the foregoing view, it is expedient to opine that millions of residents, particularly the youths and teenagers in northern parts of Nigeria overwhelmingly participated in the protests so much so that governments in the states of Kano, Jigawa, Yobe and Katsina ordered locals not to leave their homes, and therefore not attend protests on Friday as they have been placed under 24-hour curfews amid the nationwide protests against the high cost of living. The authorities said the curfew was necessary because “hoodlums” have hijacked the protests in order to loot and vandalize properties.

Given the milieu of the foregoing ethnic coloration which usually defines protests in this part of the world, it was not surprising, few days before the ongoing protests commenced to read a news story where High Chief Ray Murphy, an educationist and public affairs commentator was reported to have urged Nigerians to reject the planned protest against Tinubu. He was also reported to have said that there was nothing happening that did not happened under former President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration that lasted for 8 years. 

At this juncture, it is germane to urge Nigerians, particularly the youths to always speak truth to power as it is essential for a healthy democracy and societal progress.  In fact, when the youths prioritize truth over loyalty to individuals, they would unarguably be contributing to transparency, accountability, and positive change.  At this juncture, it is expedient to urge them to eschew tribal sentiment, and always call leaders to order through peaceful protests even if such leader is their “Person”.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to opine that in a nation as diverse as Nigeria that tribal sentiments often weave their way into the fabric of public discourse, particularly as the sentiments can either unite or divide, depending on how they are wielded. As Nigerian youths, they should always stand at a critical juncture where their voices matter more than ever. But to effectively speak truth to power, they must transcend tribal boundaries and focus on their shared aspirations for a better Nigeria. With the foregoing stand, they would be in a good position to bridge the divides between Nigeria’s north and south in speaking truth to power

The reason for offering the foregoing advice in this context cannot be farfetched as tribal sentiments can be insidious. This is as they creep into conversations, subtly shaping perspectives and influencing actions. When sentiments are allowed to take center stage, they inadvertently weaken collective voice as been witnessed between youths in the northern and southern regions of Nigeria.

Given the backdrop of the foregoing view, there is no denying the fact that tribal sentiments pit the youths against one another. Phrases like “They are southerners with an agenda” or “They have a northern religious motive” only serve to fracture their unity. Instead of standing together, they find themselves embroiled in unnecessary conflicts.

In a similar vein, when tribal affiliations cloud the collective judgment of the youths, they lose sight of the bigger picture. This is even as corruption, mismanagement, and inequality affect all Nigerians, regardless of tribe. By focusing on parochial interests, they hinder progress and perpetuate the status quo.

Also, their noble causes, such as the #EndBadGovernance protests, can be derailed by divisive forces, particularly when hooligans infiltrate a movement that initially showcased their political and social maturity. Therefore, they must ask themselves: “Can we rise above tribal sentiments and pursue positive change without compromising our unity?”

In fact, Nigerian youths can chart a different course that can engender unity in purpose. Let themshare the goals, accountability, justice, and a better future that define them by transcending tribal lines.  In fact, the youths should always have at their minds that when they speak truth to power, they do so as one voice, thereby enabling them to demand for change for the betterment of their future.

Also in a similar vein is that the youths can resort to upholding integrity and ethical standards, by rejecting corrupt practices, whether committed by youths or elders. Their fight against corruption should be unwavering, irrespective of tribal affiliations.

In fact, the youths should embrace education. The reason for the foregoing advice cannot be farfetched as it is only education that can liberate them from ignorance. Therefore, it is incumbent on them to seek knowledge beyond their tribal narratives. Not only that, they should also understand the nuances of Nigerian politics, history, and governance as an informed youth is a powerful force.

Also, there is the need for Nigerian youths to be engaged in non-violent advocacy. The foregoing is expedient as their collective strength lies in peaceful advocacy, considering the fact that violence only undermines their cause. So, they should resort to engaging in dialogue, even as they are expected to be organized, and equally expected to be demanding accountability without resorting to chaos.

In fact, it is pragmatic for Nigerian youths to rise above tribal sentiments, so that when they speak truth to power, it would be a chorus that echoes across ethnic boundaries. In fact, their unity should be their strength, even as their shared vision can transform Nigeria. As Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama wisely cautioned, “Have sound moral principles and firm faith, and work for what benefits humanity rather than parochial interests.” Together, our youths can bridge divides and build a brighter future for our nation.