A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF PROTEST IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST AND ENDSARS PROTEST IN NIGERIA)
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- 1-5 Chapters
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- Recommended for : Student Researchers
- NGN 5000
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Protests have long been a critical mechanism for political expression in Nigeria, reflecting the population's response to various forms of injustice, governance failures, and socio-economic challenges. Among the most notable in recent years are the EndSARS protest of 2020 and the Endbadgovernance protest of 2024. Both movements, while distinct in their origins and immediate objectives, share a common thread of widespread public dissatisfaction with the state of governance and the demand for systemic change. The EndSARS movement, which erupted in October 2020, was initially triggered by widespread reports of police brutality, particularly by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious unit of the Nigerian Police Force. The hashtag #EndSARS quickly gained traction on social media, mobilizing young Nigerians across the country to demand an end to police brutality and broader reforms in governance. The movement was characterized by its youthful leadership, decentralized organization, and the use of digital platforms to coordinate protests, share information, and gain international attention.
The protests, which began peacefully, grew in scale and intensity, leading to widespread demonstrations in major cities across Nigeria. The demands of the protesters evolved beyond the disbandment of SARS to include calls for accountability, justice for victims of police violence, and comprehensive police reform. The government's response to the protests, particularly the violent crackdown at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, where security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters, drew both national and international condemnation. The EndSARS movement is seen as a watershed moment in Nigeria's contemporary history, highlighting the power of social media in mobilizing citizens and the resilience of the youth in demanding accountability. The Endbadgovernance protest of 2024 emerged against the backdrop of severe economic hardship, rising inflation, and the perceived failure of the government to address the basic needs of its citizens. Unlike the EndSARS protest, which was sparked by a specific issue (police brutality), the Endbadgovernance movement was fueled by a broader discontent with the overall state of governance in Nigeria. The protests were driven by frustration over high fuel prices, escalating costs of living, and widespread corruption, which had exacerbated the socio-economic inequalities in the country.
The movement gained momentum as more Nigerians, particularly those from economically marginalized communities, took to the streets to express their frustration. The protest was marked by its inclusivity, drawing participants from various social, economic, and political backgrounds. The demands of the protesters were diverse, ranging from immediate economic relief to long-term governance reforms. The government's response to the Endbadgovernance protests was similar to that of EndSARS, with the use of force to disperse protesters, imposition of curfews, and attempts to stifle communication through internet shutdowns. Both the EndSARS and Endbadgovernance protests, while triggered by different immediate causes, underscore a common frustration with systemic governance failures in Nigeria. The movements highlight the growing discontent among the Nigerian populace, particularly the youth, with the state's inability to address their concerns and provide for their welfare. However, there are notable differences in the nature, organization, and outcomes of the two protests.
The EndSARS protest was primarily focused on a specific issue – police brutality – and had a clear set of demands related to police reform. In contrast, the Endbadgovernance protest was broader in scope, addressing a range of economic and governance issues. The EndSARS movement was largely driven by the youth and was marked by its use of social media as a tool for organization and communication. The Endbadgovernance protest, while also involving young people, had a more diverse demographic and was less reliant on digital platforms for coordination.
The government's response to both protests was marked by repression, but the context and outcomes were different. The EndSARS protest, particularly the Lekki Toll Gate incident, had a significant impact on the global perception of Nigeria's human rights record and led to widespread calls for accountability. The Endbadgovernance protest, while also met with state repression, was more focused on immediate economic grievances and did not have the same level of international attention as EndSARS. The history of protests in Nigeria provides a backdrop for understanding the significance of the EndSARS and Endbadgovernance movements. Nigeria has a long history of civil unrest and protests, from the anti-colonial struggles to post-independence movements against military rule and authoritarianism. Protests have often been a response to government policies perceived as oppressive or unjust, with notable examples including the 1978 Ali Must Go protests against education cuts, the 1989 anti-SAP riots against structural adjustment policies, and the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests against fuel subsidy removal.
The EndSARS and Endbadgovernance protests are part of this continuum, reflecting the persistent struggle for justice, accountability, and better governance in Nigeria. They highlight the challenges of governance in a diverse and complex society, where economic and social inequalities often fuel discontent and drive public protests. The impact of these protests extends beyond their immediate outcomes. The EndSARS movement has had a lasting influence on Nigeria's civil society, galvanizing a new generation of activists and leading to ongoing debates about police reform and governance. The Endbadgovernance protest has similarly underscored the deep economic challenges facing Nigeria and the need for urgent reforms to address the growing inequalities and economic hardships faced by the population. The comparative study of these two movements provides valuable insights into the dynamics of protest movements in Nigeria. It highlights the role of social media and digital platforms in modern protests, the power of youth mobilization, and the challenges of achieving meaningful change in the face of state repression.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the significant impact of the EndSARS and Endbadgovernance protests, there are critical questions that remain unanswered. How do the different triggers and organizational structures of these protests influence their outcomes? What are the implications of the state's responses to these protests for future civic engagement in Nigeria? And how do these movements reflect broader trends in Nigeria's socio-political landscape? This study seeks to address these questions by providing a comparative analysis of the EndSARS and Endbadgovernance protests, with a focus on their causes, trajectories, and impacts.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
To examine the underlying causes and triggers of the EndSARS and Endbadgovernance protests in Nigeria.
To compare and contrast the organizational structures, strategies, and demands of the two protest movements.
To analyze the impact of state responses on the outcomes of the protests and their implications for governance and civic engagement in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
What were the primary causes and triggers of the EndSARS and Endbadgovernance protests in Nigeria?
How did the organizational structures and strategies of the two movements differ, and what impact did these differences have on their effectiveness?
What were the state responses to these protests, and how did these responses influence the outcomes and future of governance in Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The EndSARS and Endbadgovernance protests in Nigeria were driven by distinct but interconnected grievances related to governance failures and socio-economic challenges.
The decentralized nature of the EndSARS protest contributed to its widespread support but also made it vulnerable to state repression, similar to the Endbadgovernance protest.
The state's repressive responses to the protests have had lasting impacts on civic engagement and the public's trust in government institutions in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it contributes to the understanding of the dynamics of protest movements in Nigeria, offering a comparative analysis of two of the most significant protests in recent Nigerian history. The study provides insights into the causes, strategies, and outcomes of these protests, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for civic engagement and governance reform in Nigeria.
The findings of this study are relevant to policymakers, activists, and scholars interested in understanding the factors that drive protest movements and the conditions under which they can lead to meaningful change. By analyzing the similarities and differences between the EndSARS and Endbadgovernance protests, the study offers valuable lessons for future movements and for the government in addressing public grievances.
1.7 Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to a comparative analysis of the EndSARS protest of 2020 and the Endbadgovernance protest of 2024 in Nigeria. The study focuses on the causes, organizational structures, state responses, and outcomes of these protests. It does not extend to other protests in Nigeria or beyond, nor does it seek to provide a comprehensive analysis of the broader socio-political contexts in which these protests occurred.
The study is also delimited by its reliance on secondary sources of data, including news reports, academic literature, and official documents. While these sources provide valuable insights into the protests, they may also be limited by biases, gaps in information, and the challenges of accessing reliable data on politically sensitive issues.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
EndSARS Protest: A mass protest movement in Nigeria that began in October 2020, calling for an end to police brutality, particularly by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), and broader governance reforms.
Endbadgovernance Protest: A series of mass protests in Nigeria, beginning in July 2024, aimed at addressing economic hardship, rising costs of living, and governance failures.
Protest Movements: Organized efforts by a group of people to express opposition to or support for a cause, often through demonstrations, strikes, and other forms of public action.
Governance: The processes and institutions through which decisions are made and authority is exercised in a country, including the management of public resources and the implementation of policies.
State Repression: Actions taken by a government to suppress or control dissent, often through the use of force, censorship, and other coercive measures.
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