Last week, the news broke out that 2face, one of the finest Nigerian Pop Stars planned a protest against the government which he tagged “one voice” this generated a lot of criticisms as much as support before he finally withdrew the plan, stating security reasons.

Whatsoever his reasons maybe, a section of people believes the labour union should lead the protest against bad government, especially when it cripples the economy as we experience it now.
They could not be wrong to say that, but should they fail to perform as expected, who should step in?

To find answers to this question, SRAF asked some of the youths on their platforms, in a discussion tagged “who should lead protest against bad governance?” And some of them bore their minds intelligently on the issue.

Emeka Great, a native of Onitsha believes it is not wrong for individuals to stage protest against bad governance. “Since the political parties, organizations e. t. c is made up of individuals & hence it's the grassroots of every gathering, the individual should lead the protest.” He said.

“I thought that democracy is a government of the people, therefore, every decision making has to be based on decision of the majority.
If I should say, I think the government is for all, therefore, everyone has the right to protest when things are not right.” The above are the words of Judith, a student from Lagos state.

She continued by asking several rhetorical questions: “If no one talks, how would the government know they are not up to standard? How would they know the plight of the people?
They would live and act ignorant of what is happening and if we remain in silent, we die in silence.
I don't think there's a particular body set up to protest. It affects everyone; therefore, it's a collective responsibility.”

Energetic and intelligent Judith concluded by saying, “it's our country, we own it, we vote, we should have our freedom of speech, not just on paper, but in action. Protesting is open to all it concerns.”

Akindele from Ibadan totally agreed with Judith, saying: “anyone can lead a protest, provided he is convinced of his motive, has people sensitized enough about it and above all agree with him and are willing to come out to back him up. “

Akindele also believes the police have no right to arrest anyone for peaceful protest. “On the other hand the law enforcement agencies are not to gag the leader or followers of protests, rather ensure that it remains peaceful and not high jacked by any unscrupulous politician or miscreants.” He posited

Ayam Judaisky from Kwara had a very contrasting opinion entirely, he said: “Protest isn't an option to resolve or solve any problem rather, it makes it get worse so I would say, if we play our roles very well by not being a freewill instruments in the hands of the government or a toady sycophants, I don't think we will have a problem that will even lead to a protest. He also believes if protest is needed at all cost, the masses should choose from among them, who should lead it.

Victor from Imo state made it quite clear that “Individuals are the government and they are the bedrock of every government.”
He however stated that “before such protest should be embarked on, the rest of the masses should be given clear knowledge of the essence of the protest. If all these are done then an individual can lead the protest.

Credit: Soul’e Rhymez for MyLagosApp.

Read more news on MyLagosApp. Download it from Google Playstore, iSTore, Blackberry Store

I dey come

make dem cum my home by 5:pm today.....I'll lead dem through the path of righteousness