Shehu Sani Says Protests Lack Leadership, Cannot Participate

Shehu Sani declares that the lack of leadership means they cannot partake in protests. Read about his views and the reasons behind them.

Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna Central and public affairs analyst, has decided not to take part in the scheduled protest on August 1. His decision stems from his belief that faceless organisers with no clear leadership direction are behind the planned demonstration.

During a conversation with journalists in Kaduna on Thursday, Sani emphasized the significance of peaceful demonstrations led by identifiable figures to prevent them from escalating into violent actions that could potentially disrupt national stability.

As such, the previous legislator advocated for nonviolent demonstrations led by discernable figures. He drew from his own involvement in protests accompanied by apparent leaders like President Bola Tinubu, ex-President Muhammad Buhari and late statesman Balarabe Musa during both military times and the 2012 anti-subsidy demonstration.

He believes that Nigeria is a democracy where individuals have the freedom to voice their opinions, offer critiques of the government and engage in peaceful demonstrations.

Citing the events in Kenya and Sudan which caused a breakdown of law and order, as well as decimation within their security forces, he emphasized that protests lacking leadership had potential to result in chaos and anarchy.

According to Sani, the position taken by the Kaduna state government regarding protests is laudable as they would only endorse demonstrations with accountable leaders who could assume liability in case of any disorderliness within the nation.

“It is crucial that we remind ourselves of the fact that Nigeria operates as a democracy,” he stated. “Individuals have inherent rights to voice their opinions, offer critiques of governmental operations and stage peaceful protests.”

Throughout my life, I have always been a protester who advocates for justice, freedom and policies that benefit the people. Similarly, President Bola Tinubu shares this belief as we both peacefully protested together.

Currently, our predicament is centered on the existence of certain concerns that demand our attention. For a demonstration to occur successfully, two essential components must be present: firstly, it requires an objective – highlighting the struggles and hardships endured by individuals within society.

He said that a protest requires a visible leader, as the absence of one often results in its transformation into violence.