It has become common knowledge that since time immemorial, the Nigerian society has been bedeviled with numerous ills and vices, constantly throwing both the society and its citizens into a series of social and mental upheavals respectively, day by day. In trying to restore and maintain orderliness in the territory, law enforcement agencies were established and some individuals (who are also citizens by the way) were employed into such agencies, making them law enforcement agents. Amongst them are the army, police and SARS.
However, with the wide range of terrifying images and videos surfacing on the internet in recent times, it has become evident that rather than defending the interest of citizens and steering them away from danger, many of these law enforcement agents are in fact, using their position of power and authority to cause danger, terror and chaos to the citizens of Nigeria.
A ground-swell of heartbreaking narratives have been told by Nigerian citizens, of the hardships, harassments and assaults they have faced in the hands of law enforcement agents, with emphasis on those known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Some members of this law enforcement group have been accused severally (with substantial proofs) of misusing and abusing power, by taking the law into their hands and single-handedly labeling innocent citizens as criminals, basing their unlawful accusations on citizens hairstyles, manner of dressing and even their use of expensive gadgets and cars.
The Nigerian society is gradually becoming a place where law-abiding citizens are afraid to spend their hard-earned money to buy things of their choice, for fear of being harassed and intimidated by law enforcement operatives.
The country, Nigeria, operates on a democracy. Citizens are by law afforded the freedom of expression which invariably entails the right to dress as they see fit, the right to style their hair however they wish, the right to use whatever gadget and car they deem fit (as long as these items are acquired lawfully). Why then are these rights being infringed upon by the very ones who took an oath to protect them? Or is Nigeria’s democracy simply a “democracy in book” and not a “democracy in action”?
It has been days since citizens of Nigeria, including celebrities like Asisat Oshoala, Davido, Olamide and Falz amongst others have taken to the media to express their severe dissatisfaction at the brutality of some SARS officials but the president of the country- Muhammadu Buhari, is yet to respond to the cries of those whom he swore to defend and represent.
What then is the fate of the commoners if they live in a society where they are persecuted for their fashion sense? What then is the fate of Nigeria’s democracy if its protectors are rapidly turning into savages? Are the rogue members of the SARS capable of being re-socialized and reformed or should the squad be disbanded? These and many more are the thoughts running through the minds of many if not all Nigerians.
To wrap it up, Nigerians have for long been experiencing oppression in many ramifications. Famous philosopher- Karl Marx, in his analysis of the evils of capitalism proclaimed that a time would come when the proletariats will realize their own exploitation and would then stage a revolution against the capitalist government. By inference, it takes no fortune-teller to know that if the high-handedness and inhumane actions of the law enforcement operatives in Nigeria continues and the government does nothing to bring succor to the people, sooner or later, citizens will rise up to defend themselves and their loved ones.
Oluwatoyin Luqman Bolakale is a graduate of Telecommunications Science, A Certified and etch network security specialist from International cyber security institute and specialised in Network security, mobile and wireless communications, He is a community developer and An Online Media Practioner currently the CEO/Publisher of Satcom Media
COMMENT
A great piece from a great mind!
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