Mike Ejiofor, a former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), has shed light on why the 2012 protests against the removal of petrol subsidies under former President Goodluck Jonathan did not escalate into violence. Speaking recently, Ejiofor credited the peaceful nature of the protests to Jonathan’s non-confrontational stance and the relatively better economic conditions at the time.
During an interview on Arise TV Morning Show, Ejiofor compared the 2012 protests to the current climate, emphasizing that the nation’s economic hardship is much worse now. This dire situation, he warned, could turn any protest into a platform for chaos and violence due to the desperation and anger among the populace.
Ejiofor addressed the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled for August 1-10. The government and security forces, including the DSS, military, and police, have expressed concerns over potential violence. Major General Edward Buba highlighted the risk of anarchy if the protests proceed, stating that the armed forces would not allow such disorder to take over the nation.
Ejiofor explained that Jonathan’s administration allowed protests to proceed without severe crackdowns, which contributed to their peaceful nature. He noted that the current administration faces a more volatile situation, with widespread economic distress making people more desperate. “The 2012 protest didn’t turn violent, one, because of the body language of the sitting president then. He allowed everything to go and the situation was not as bad as what we have now,” he said.
He also pointed out that while the right to protest is constitutionally protected, the risk of these protests being hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives is high. “No matter how good their intentions are, I believe this will be hijacked eventually,” Ejiofor warned.
Recalling the violent turn of the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which resulted in significant property damage, Ejiofor urged organizers to reconsider their plans to avoid similar outcomes. He suggested giving the government more time to address the issues at hand, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding.
Ejiofor also criticized some statements from President Bola Tinubu’s aides, which he described as provocative and capable of inciting ethnic and religious tensions. He called for President Tinubu to communicate directly with the public to calm the situation and avoid further agitation.
Sama’ila Musa, National Coordinator of the Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative, echoed Ejiofor’s sentiments, calling for dialogue and warning of the risks of widespread looting and vandalism if the protests proceed.
