By Bayo Akinlade, Esq

I like Portable’s opinion when he says that being part of protests in Nigeria is a result of ‘poor thinking’ on his part and this was because then he was poor and now that he is rich, he simply minds his business.

It’s quite interesting how perspective changes when you switch from one economic situation to another.

Protests in Nigeria have become many things to many people in this country.

For some it’s an opportunity not to go to work and spend what little they have on transportation

For some, it’s an excuse not to pay a debt or fulfil an obligation

For others it’s just another public holiday.

However, for the players and participants protest has many functions ranging from establishing themselves as social activists who have a future political agenda or an opportunity to be seen and known for some future job or appointment or even to relocate and claim asylum in another country.

These protest are funded, meaning that someone is getting paid for planning, organizing, participating, reporting etc.

However, in the midst of all these, there are sincere people who are pained by the economic hardship and protest against it … Not necessarily walking on the streets but via other methods.

Should protest disturb free movement?

Should protest interfere with people’s businesses and be conducted in such a way as to confine any citizen to his community or his home? I don’t think so.

If it is a protest march, then the organizers should plan a route that will not obstruct traffic or normal business

The protest can also be held in a specific location like the national and State houses of Assembly or in specific locations where those they seek to influence are situated.

If the coming protests is to be peaceful then the organizers must shield themselves from being hijacked and not leave it to law enforcement alone.

Let’s face the facts; NOT ALL NIGERIANS ARE SUFFERING, NOT ALL NIGERIANS ARE HUNGRY, NOT ALL NIGERIANS ARE UNDER THE YOKE OF BAD GOVERNANCE….. For some, this is the best government they have ever witnessed.

No matter how bad Abacha was… Some profited out of it and some families are made for life because of it.

A word for our leaders; your future generations will pick up the pieces… So keep looting and keep stealing… You cannot steal it all!