#EndSARS protest

Chaos and violence has always been the last resort of a mediocracy. But wisdom always outpaces, outclasses and trumps stupidity. It’s been nigh 2 weeks (13 days) and the Federal Government’s response to the protest is a deafening silence. A few state Governors like BJ of Lagos set up a panel of inquiry and acted civil. Wike of Pitakwa addressed and identified with the youths. Governor Obiano of Anambra on Saturday Oct 17 2020 visited the offices of the defunct SARS located at Neni, Ekwulobia and Awkuzu and even granted three detainees who committed minor offenses unconditional bail. The Northern Governors opposed the disbanding of SARS. The Northern youths themselves refused to join the protest. Gan’D identified with a few gullible youths who protested in favor of keeping SARS in the North. Less than 24 hrs later Kano youths took to the streets to protest the killing of a 17 yrs old boy by the police. It’s a bad, mad, sad world we live in. @ Falz the Bahdt guyz reworked Childish Gambino’s art and said #This is Nigeria. #EndSARS #endpolicebrutality #endbadgovernanceinnigeria

I remember in our university days back in the 1990s the music of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti would be blasted from the Student Union Building as a prelude to a planned protest to the Senate Building or if outside campus to the front of the gate past Henry Carr. A motley crowd marched chanting liberation and redemption songs past Atan Cemetery and Sabo enroute to Yaba to join Gani and Falana and Tai Solarin and other colossi of the democracy/June 12 struggle. Those were the days. Rubber bullets and tear gas and hot water tanks were the response of constituted authority.

Today the protests appear more peaceful. The gathering at Lekki is a testament to the discipline and organizational skills of our youths erstwhile dismissed as “lazy””indomie eating””phone pressing” youths. These protests are live conventions or an international music festival. The music of choice is “Barawo” by AjeboHustlers and new rave Fikky and old Roosters like African China, Idris Abdulkareem and newbies like Davido, Burna Boy and Naira Marley to name a few favorites. Indeed the gatherings are a source of entertainment and something to channel idle hands and untapped energies in the midst of a pandemic and ASUU strike. Daily the sing the National Anthem and recite the National Pledge. Share Experiences, Listen to music, Sing songs, Remember the fallen Heroes with candle light vigils, Break bread with a variety of food, drinks and refreshments for everyone present. They conduct Mass, Jumat Service and Sunday Service. And before they leave everyday they pick up the thrash and sweep the streets. Wow are these our youths. I am tempted to say, “Bring Back Our Youths!” Sorry no pun intended.

#AjeboHustlers – The vibe of the moment.

Churchill once said , “Less war war and more jaw jaw.” Every revolution, peaceful or otherwise must ultimately end in Dialogue. Please, please and please let us maintain the peace. Don’t let thugs, miscreants and criminals hijack the movement. The ground has drank its fill of innocent blood. Our laterite is already ruddy enough. It needs no more tinto rouge.

Grandpa Bu Bu please break your silence. #SoroSoke. Your grandkids have been on the streets in the sun and rain asking that the foundations of a better tomorrow be laid today. Can you please do us the honor of commissioning this noble project of projects. We implore you Mr. President Sir. ☹🙁😭🙏😭