By Milcah Tanimu
Renowned socio-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, has voiced concern over the frustration caused by corrupt politicians in Nigeria, predicting that it could trigger another nationwide protest. Yesufu highlighted the mounting discontent among Nigerians, suggesting that the anger simmering within the populace might fuel a protest even more intense than the 2020 ‘EndSARS’ movement.
In 2020, citizens across Nigeria rallied to demand the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious police unit known for its brutal treatment of young people. The movement, initiated on Twitter (now X), escalated into widespread demonstrations in major cities, accompanied by incidents of violence. The protest culminated in tragic events, including the loss of lives, particularly when military forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
Yesufu, co-convener of the BringBackOurGirls campaign and a prominent figure in the EndSARS protests, cautioned that another demonstration might take the nation by surprise. Via her X account, she expressed, “Nobody saw the #EndSARS protest coming. Nobody will see the next uprising coming. Sadly, it might end up being violent. There is simmering anger fueled by the impunity and brazenness of the corrupt politicians and rulers, who have rigged their way into power. Nobody will be spared.”
