#EndSARS: another hashtag or a movement?

For many, the #EndSARS demonstrations are a chance to vent out frustrations long overdue; but a closer look reveals a solidarity reminiscent of our founding fathers. A unity beyond ethnicity, race or sect. Now whether it achieves its desired outcome or becomes yet another hashtag… most uncertain.

• Nollywood stars speak out in support for the movement;
• Super eagles players stand with Nigerian youths in their plight;
• Entertainment stars sing their songs in solidarity with the youths;
• The long awaited response from the President did not show any plans to address these issues.

The failed system

You’ve heard the saying, “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog.” Well, the EndSARS movement has shown Nigerians have “fight” in them, with numbers to match.

By and large, Nigerian youths’ right to freedom of movement and expression has been impaired. And the questions on their mind are many. Is it a crime to go about at night? Why are they victims of continuous brutality? Why are they arrested for just going about their normal business? Is every young man driving a car a ‘yahoo boy’? These and many more unanswered questions have spurred them to demand for their right and ensure their voice counts. After all, any system that has no value for human life is irrelevant.

And for the first time in the history of this nation, protesters set aside religion, ethnicity and tribalism for a show of solidarity and patriotism to build a great Nigeria.

The show of solidarity

For instance, members of the Nigerian Senior National team, the Super Eagles, have expressed their support for the #EndSARS campaign. They have taken to social media to add their voices to that of the youths. In fact, after the goal against Tunisia in the Friendlies, we saw the players raising the fist up as a sign of their support to the campaign. Likewise, Victor Osimhen raised the shirt with the inscription “EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria” after registering his first goal for his club.

Here’s a growing list of footballers that joined the movement:

Television

In the same vein, Nollywood stars joined the dialogue; raising their voices in one accord. Prominent figures such as Kate Henshaw spoke, acknowledging the lack of consequences as the cause for many atrocities in Nigeria.

Artists chime in

Musicians also joine din the movement. Songs of freedom fill the air as music stars join the campaign. Banky W, Runtown, Falz, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Phyno amongst others lead the campaign. Afrobeat legend, Femi Kuti and his son Made too, supported the demonstrations while offering their art forms.

The response

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty – Thomas Jefferson

The protest is in its third week, however, there has been no response from the President on the issue. There have been calls from both the national and international circle demanding an address from the President.

However, when the response came, it may not have been what Nigerians wanted to hear. The Presidential address came out stern and tone deaf, as some described. More so, the Nigerian President mentioned no casualties from all the protests, instead offered condolences to law enforcement. So while this movement has garnered great solidarity, what comes next is still most uncertain.