#EndSARS vol.1. NIGERIA AT 60 - WAS SHE WORTH CELEBRATING?

An interview with Andrew Chisom 28 years old retailer

(It is the first out of 8 interviews of the #EndSARS series)

#EndSARS campaign of the Nigerian youths
A paceful protest or a civil rebellion? October 2020 
vol. 1

The next interview

vol.1 vol.2 vol.3 vol.4 vol.5 vol.6 vol.7 vol.8

NIGERIA AT 60 - WAS SHE WORTH CELEBRATING?

CECYLIA BUCZKO: 

How much the Independence Day influenced the #EndSARS protests?

ANDREW CHISOM:

I think it had a great impact on everything that happened next. Actually the protests began on 1st October, 2020. It is the 60th Independence Day since our country was created. I had the day off work so I went out without hurrying to meet my friends. However, we couldn’t celebrate, we just didn’t feel in such a mood…

What made you so sad?

The everyday sight from the window of a bus just made us realise that the country isn't developing. It was mud and rubbish everywhere. Few days ago we could see children waiting at the bus stop. There was a large paddle in the place where the bus was supposed to stop. They couldn’t get there dry-shod so they were climbing the fence to not mess their shoes and clothes. Why do our children have to climb like animals? Is making a good road really such a big deal?

Is there anything else in your country in reality you cannot accept?

The reality is so bad here for everyone. Young people can’t get a good job even if they have a university degree. Fathers and mothers work overtime to pay for their children's education. Many people still die of hunger or bad healthcare service. There is a lot of violence here not only from the bandits who can rob your house but also from the police out of which the SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) had the worst fame.

Why do you hate them so much?

Simply because of their attitude toward every young person. If they come across anyone, they don't hesitate to use violence. If you were well-dressed, drove a car and had a nice smartphone they might suspect you are an Internet scammer. After they arrested you, they could beat you or even shoot you if you do not give them a bribe.

Corruption is very bad, it is a crime to be honest.

That’s our country's reality. That’s why on that day; the 60th birthday of our country, we realised that the current Nigeria is not worth celebrating. This is a country without any future which has to be changed. No wonder few days later, the #EndSARS demonstrations started.

(Reuters)

Did you know ...?

Nigeria gained her independence on October 1, 1960, but previously was one of the British colonies in West Africa. Currently, the country is a federation, but its governance style resembles a police state.

What is a police state? Read here

The other parts of the article you can read here:

Part 1 - NIGERIA AT 60 - WAS SHE WORTH CELEBRATING? 

Part 2 - IT WAS A MODERN PROTEST WHICH STARTED IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Part 3 - A UNIFORM DOESN’T MAKE YOU A GOOD SOLDIER

Part 4 - HAVING WHITE FRIENDS MAKES YOU A SCAMMER

Part 5 - HOW THE PEACEFUL PROTEST WAS HIJACKED BY HOODLUMS?

Part 6 - THE POWER OF PEOPLE IS STRONGER THAN THE PEOPLE IN POWER

Part 7 - OUR GOVERNMENT KILLS US – THE MASSACRE AT THE LEKKI TOLL GATE IN LAGOS

Part 8 - IT WAS NEVER MORE DANGEROUS TO BE A POLICEMAN HERE 

Written by: Cecylia Buczko

Cecylia Buczko