My Quiet Soliloquism On The Future Of Activism In Nigeria
“This lack of support and unity among the populace is one of the most disheartening aspects of Nigerian activism. The very people activists fight for can be quick to turn against them, manipulated by a government skilled in propaganda and fear-mongering”.
BY LISA BASSEY
Activism in Nigeria has always been a scary path, filled with immense risks and tragic outcomes. As I look to the future, the prospects seem increasingly bleak. The stories of past activists reminds me of the high price paid for daring to challenge the status quo. The depressing fact is that even though most of these courageous activists gave their lives for justice and freedom, nothing has changed.
Since independence was gotten, Activists have been fighting against inflation, corruption, high handedness of the ruling class, and their imposed suffering upon the masses, yet the situation has not gotten better. In fact, there is hardly a change in the situation that necessitated the activism in the first.
Singers like Eedris Abdulkareem page LAGBAJA! Asa Official Victor Essiet, Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, 2baba Idibia, Raskimono and others have combined their music careers with activism. It is a sickening harsh reality that the sacrifices of these activists often go unappreciated even by the very masses they seek to liberate.
Fela Kuti, the fiery musician and outspoken critic of the Nigerian government, faced brutal persecution throughout his life. His home was raided, his mother was killed, and he endured countless arrests and beatings. Despite his relentless advocacy for the oppressed, many Nigerians remained indifferent or hostile to his cause, more comfortable with the familiar chains of oppression than the uncertain promise of freedom.
Ken Saro-Wiwa, the environmental activist and writer, led a nonviolent campaign against the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta by multinational oil companies. For his efforts, he was arrested, tried by a military tribunal, and executed in 1995 despite international outcry. His death sent a chilling message: in Nigeria, the fight for justice can cost you your life, and the government will not hesitate to silence dissent.
Dele Giwa, a prominent journalist and founder of Newswatch magazine, was another victim of the ruthless suppression of free speech. He was assassinated in 1986 by a letter bomb, a grim reminder to the lengths the nation would go to maintain control. His death was a painful reminder of the perilous nature of investigative journalism, where telling the truth can be fatal.
The list goes on. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Gani Fawehinmi, and Chima Ubani are among the many who paid the ultimate price for their activism. Despite their efforts, the masses often remain passive, if not outright antagonistic. This lack of support and unity among the populace is one of the most disheartening aspects of Nigerian activism. The very people activists fight for can be quick to turn against them, manipulated by a government skilled in propaganda and fear-mongering. This is very discouraging.
I had the opportunity to meet Omoyele Sowore, a relentless activist and founder of Sahara Reporters. When I asked him why he continued to fight despite the clear and present danger, he responded simply: “It is my passion and my calling.” His unwavering commitment is both inspiring and tragic, as he fully understands the risks—imprisonment, torture, even death. Yet, he presses on, driven by a sense of duty that transcends personal safety.
Personally, I have observed that the desire to tackle social, economic, and political issues has waned or dampened within some activists.
The future of activism in Nigeria looks grim. The government remains adept at silencing dissent, often resorting to manipulation or lethal force. Activists are frequently isolated, receiving little support from a populace conditioned by fear and apathy. Even when an activist falls, life goes on as if nothing happened. The cycle of oppression continues, and the masses remain largely indifferent.
As we ponder on the future, we must ask ourselves: Is there hope for change in a nation where the cost of activism is so high and the support so little? The answer does not lie in the bravery of a few but in the awakening of the many. The masses must unite in support of those who risk everything for their freedom, else the future of activism in Nigeria will remain a dark and perilous journey. There will be simply no light at the end of that tunnel.
…Lisa Bassey, is an Abuja based analyst
