It is a known fact that in a democratic climate, there is freedom of expression. The masses have the right to express themselves freely whenever they feel their rights are trampled upon or the system is beginning to be unfair.
The stance of the current administration under President Muhammadu Buhari on the EndSARS protests has continued to raise concerns among Nigerians as regards to the state of democracy in the nation.
The government has often been criticized for its handling of the crisis, especially the Lekki toll gate massacre which has gained the attention of the whole world. Now, with the crisis seemingly assuaged, the effects and scars of the movement are still very much being felt around the nation.
In particular, what has gained attention of many Nigerians is the recent crackdown on pivotal figures that played a major role during the EndSARS protests. It is visibly clear the government see these individuals as ‘enemies of the state’ and elements of instability and has taken measures to crackdown on them. This has not gone down well with many Nigerians.
One of such individuals is Rinu Oduala. The 22- year old played a key role in the Endsars protests. The outspoken media strategist, was among tens of thousands of young Nigerians, including many women, who made history with the protests that swept the country in October against police brutality. The federal government through the central bank froze her accounts.
She has continually expressed concerns about her security and is one of the 20 protest organizers to have their funds frozen by the Central Bank in early November.
Rinu Oduala swears by the Bible during a Judicial panel investigating police brutality and shooting of protesters in Lagos
‘’Its disheartening that our good intentions of ending police brutality would make us get tagged as terrorists’’ she told the BBC.
Other figures such as Modupe Odele a female EndSARS activist and lawyer, had her passport confiscated last month. Popular social media figure, DJ switch, for fear of her life and constant threats had recently sought succour in Canada where she had testified before the Canadian parliament.
Also speaking to CNN, she labelled the Nigerian government, ‘a dictatorship with a democratic face’.
These and many more activists and individuals have been on the receiving end of various harsh measures taken by the government.
Are these actions by the government being justifiable? In a country that claims to be a democratic Nation, should such actions be taken against individuals who only expressed their grievances at the state of affairs in the nation?. So many questions are beginning to come to the fore.
The recent investigation carried out by the CNN concerning the Lekki Toll gate massacre has also raised more questions. As the picture continues to unravel, it remains to be seen what is to come, even as Nigeria continues to reflect on a movement which has re-shaped the nation.
It is pertinent that the Nigerian Government should respect democratic principles in tandem with the Constitution.
