In fact, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged young people not to join the nationwide cost-of-living protests, labeling them the work of “sinister” individuals capitalizing on the country’s economic woes. Expectedly, his statement has drawn criticism, with trade union bosses urging him to engage in dialogue with protest organizers rather than dismissing their concerns as “sponsored political dissent.”
It is not an exaggeration to opine that in the midst of the planned nationwide protests that words can be as potent as actions. The reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as the impact of inflammatory statements can reverberate far beyond the immediate moment, shaping the course of events and influencing public sentiment. As we stand at the intersection of free expression and social change, it is crucial to recognize the responsibility that comes with our words.
In fact, the perils of inflammatory rhetoric can be damaging to the extent that it can escalate tensions rapidly. When emotions run high, provocative statements can ignite violence or lead to clashes between protesters and authorities. Without any iota of exaggeration, a single phrase can transform a peaceful gathering into chaos.
In a similar vein, polarizing rhetoric divides communities. Instead of fostering unity, it deepens rifts. Without a doubt, when leaders or influencers use inflammatory language, they risk alienating segments of society, hindering collective progress.
There is no denying the fact that inflammatory comments engender loss of credibility given the fact that trust is fragile. In fact, when protest leaders resort to inflammatory remarks, their credibility suffers. People question their motives, wondering if they genuinely seek positive change or merely crave attention.
Given the fact that inflammatory comments can exacerbate crises, particularly ahead of protests as been witnessed at the moment against the backdrop of the planned nationwide protests scheduled to hold from August 1 to 10, 2024, it is not surprising that the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof Benjamin Okaba, emphasizes that a peace protest is not criminal, provided it adheres to rules and regulations. However, he warns against oppressive measures and heavy-handed tactics. Instead, he calls for constructive engagement with stakeholders to address the root causes of our multifaceted challenges.
However, while the people, both from the sides of the government and the protesters, are been circumspect in ensuring that a common ground is reached so as not to sink the country, and it was widely reported in the news; both in conventional news platforms and the new media, that Tinubu’s daughter, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, told traders that there is no protest in Lagos… She was quoted to have warned, “Don’t let your children get killed” amid warning them that they should deter their children from joining the planned nationwide protest. Though, she might have made the comment with cautionary measures but it has been misunderstood. The misunderstanding points to the fact that people should be very cautious in making comments at a time like this.
In fact, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged young people not to join the nationwide cost-of-living protests, labeling them the work of “sinister” individuals capitalizing on the country’s economic woes. Expectedly, his statement has drawn criticism, with trade union bosses urging him to engage in dialogue with protest organizers rather than dismissing their concerns as “sponsored political dissent.”
As if that is not enough, Presidential Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, accused supporters of presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of planning the protests. He claimed that they were galvanizing support on social media with hashtags like #TinubuMUSTGo and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria. However, Peter Obi’s Labour Party (LP) denied these allegations, emphasizing the people’s constitutional right to protest.
Also, a group of small-scale retailers called the Self Reliance for Physically Challenged Traders of Nigeria expressed opposition to the planned protests. They cited the turmoil and violence during the #EndSARS protests, which left deep scars on the nation. They fear a similar outcome if protests escalate. Remember, constructive communication is essential during protests to avoid further tensions and promote dialogue for positive change.
In a similar vein, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, criticized the proposed nationwide protest, describing it as politically motivated. During an inspection of the Apo-Karshi road in Abuja, Wike urged Nigerians to be patient, emphasizing that many people expect instant results.
At this juncture, it is expedient to opine that in the process of navigating protests that the power of constructive communication should not be discounted as the art of constructive communication can engender understanding of the grievances driving the protest. This is as it empathizes with the pain and frustration felt by protesters and the people in general, even as it acknowledges their concerns, even if there is disagreement. Without a doubt, constructive communication begins with empathy.
Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient for those that speak amidst crisis as been witnessed in the planned nationwide protest should always choose words wisely by opting for words that unite rather than divide. In a similar vein, they should form the habit of replacing aggressive language with phrases that encourage dialogue, such as “Let’s find common ground” or “We’re all in this together” can defuse tension.
Also, while appeasing comments are essential, they should not silence dissent. In fact, constructive communication balances empathy with assertiveness, even as it is expedient to always acknowledge grievances while advocating for peaceful solutions.
In fact, those who are in position of making comments amid imminent protests should have the knack of communicating in such a way that flames can literarily be doused and turn to dialogue as they navigate protests with words, and they should always have it at the back of their minds that words shape the narrative of change. Therefore, in the heat of protest, let us choose them wisely, bridging gaps, fostering understanding, and paving the way for a more just society.