In an interview with AIT News FROM 36:24, Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate, highlighted the stark contrast between the treatment of protesters in the United States and Nigeria.
He pointed out that in the U.S., over 10 million people protested in 1000 cities, yet there was no use of tear gas or violence against the demonstrators. Instead, the police accompanied the protesters, treating them with respect and courtesy. Sowore stressed that while people in the U.S. were allowed to voice their concerns without fear of being attacked, the situation in Nigeria was dramatically different.
Sowore further emphasized the irony of the Nigerian police being conditioned to view their fellow citizens as enemies, even when those citizens are fighting for their welfare. Despite Nigerians advocating for better conditions for the police, the same officers often resort to heavy-handed tactics when it comes to dealing with protests and dissent. He expressed concern over this systemic issue, pointing out that it perpetuates a hostile environment where citizens are treated as adversaries rather than partners in building a better society.
The former presidential candidate also reflected on how this treatment of protesters contributes to the broader economic and political issues facing the country. He argued that the government’s response to public dissent, particularly through the use of force, stifles free speech and the right to protest, thus exacerbating Nigeria’s ongoing challenges. Sowore concluded by asserting that despite the obstacles, Nigerians must continue to fight for their rights, as this is the only way to bring about meaningful change.
In his words;
“There were protests in 1000 cities in the US and you could say that the President of the US hasn’t responded but trust me they understand that the people are pushing back and they can’t continue doing things the way they’re going about it. You’ll see results but the Irony is that in 1000 cities, with over almost 10 million people protesting this last weekend, nobody was teargased, nobody was roughened up or beaten up. The police accompanied the protesters, they treated them with respect and courtesy but here the Police has been conditioned to believe that the people are their enemies. Even in circumstances where we fight for them, they still come after us.”
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