Off-Cycle Election: Yesufu Cautions Politicians Are Brewing Citizens’ Anger, Revolt
Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has warned that the frustrations of Nigerians with corrupt politicians could trigger another nationwide protest, possibly more volatile than the 2020 EndSARS demonstrations.
In a social media post, Yesufu stated that the ongoing impunity and lack of consequences for corrupt public office holders is brewing anger amongst citizens. She cautions this rage could boil over into an uprising that takes the country by surprise.
Yesufu likened the potential protest to the 2020 EndSARS movement against police brutality, which arose spontaneously through social media before spilling onto the streets. The demonstrations progressed into violence after a brutal crackdown by security forces.
As a key voice during EndSARS, Yesufu notes that nobody saw the massive protest coming earlier. Similarly, she believes the pervasive corruption and rigging by political elites could reach a tipping point.
Yesufu contends that unlike EndSARS which was focused on a specific issue, the next protest may be an expression of wider grievances on bad governance. And without clear objectives, it risks turning violent amidst the national discontent.
The activist advises that the looming anger sparked by corruption and impunity should not be ignored. She warns that if left unchecked, it could explode into an uprising that brings the country to a standstill once again.
Yesufu urges political leaders to address the root causes of citizens’ frustrations and restore good governance. According to her, tackling corruption and injustice is the only way to avoid mass action by long-suffering Nigerians.
