We No Go Gree: #EndSARS
Photo: Tobi Oshinnaike via Unsplash
“We no go ‘gree” is a popular phrase in Nigerian pidgin; it translates to: “We will not agree”, or, “We do not accept”. Today of all days feels like an opportune day to chant around the world “We no go ‘gree.”
The #EndSARS movement in Nigeria began as a protest against ‘Special Anti-Robbery Squad’ (SARS) brutality.
This morning, 21st October 2020, I realise that the massacre of peaceful protesters at Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria, this tragedy, has long coming. I pray for the families of all our brothers and sisters who lost their lives on 20/10/20. Our family who have lost their lives were an ultimate distress signal. They were a bright light, drawing the eyes of the world to us; our brothers and sisters who have given their lives for the cause - for the fight for freedom - did not do so in vain. In a moment, they revealed to the rest of the world Nigeria.
Millennials who grew up in Nigeria know through first hand experience, the culture of authoritarianism that has been fostering in Nigeria for so long; it is not only the policing forces in Nigeria that violate the basic human rights of citizens; abuse of power is observable in every position of authority, from the police, to politicians, executives, managers and teachers.
It always begins at the top. It begins with our political leaders, those in charge to govern the life of the community; they have failed their people. Nigeria has a history of colonisation, military rule and tyranny. A love of power corrupts the root of the tree, as a result the tree and its branches also spoil.
Our heads of state abuse their positions of leadership and steal from The People. To steal from the people, one must steal from all people, including their people, those directly under their chain of command - they steal from their circle first. Their circle abuse their power too, like the leaders they follow. They steal from the citizens, so it continues.
If the heads of state abuse their power, then what is to stop everyone else in any position of authority in the country from doing the same? #EndSARS is not only a Nigerian revolution, it is a worldwide revolution, Nigeria is a vessel. We are in an age of enlightenment - black culture is enlightened to the truth that we matter, all black lives matter, all over the world; and, because black culture is experiencing an enlightenment, we, as a world, are experiencing an enlightenment. As we understand who we are and that we matter, the world understands it with us and stands with us, accepting our enlightenment and marching along. It is so easy to abuse authority - let he or she who has not succumbed to temptation and desires in some form cast the first stone. Yet, there must be accountability: not only as a failure to black culture, but a failure to all people and cultures that experience an oppression of their rights to live free and happy lives.
All leaders must listen to the people, observe the direction the revolution marches towards and implement the changes we request to these broken systems.
Politicians, do not forget your purpose - you have been chosen to take care of The People. You have been chosen to govern this civilisation which we have built together.
We are free to live a just life in a just society?. We are free to choose happiness.
