Psychologist Calls Out President Tinubu: Exposing Tactics Undermining Peaceful Protests—The Calm Before the Storm and the Urgent Need for Genuine Action

Dear President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian Government,

Unmasking the Cynical Tactics: A Deep Dive into How Nigeria’s Government Is Sabotaging Peaceful Protests and Civil Rights—Why It’s Crucial to Address the Core Issues Instead of Playing Divisive Games

As a psychologist deeply immersed in the complexities of democratic processes and the intricacies of social dynamics, I feel compelled to urgently address the imminent protest by peaceful Nigerians. This protest is far more than a mere demonstration; it is a profound manifestation of democratic rights and an echo of deep-seated societal frustrations. To navigate this critical juncture effectively and preserve the essence of our democratic values, it is imperative that we approach the protest with an uncompromising respect for individual freedoms and a resolute commitment to public safety. The gravity of this situation demands that we uphold the principles of justice and equality, ensuring that every action taken respects the inherent rights of individuals while maintaining order and preventing unnecessary escalation.

The protest set for August 1st is more than just a demonstration—it is a fundamental exercise in democratic freedom. The importance of supporting and protecting this right cannot be overstated. We must manage the associated risks with meticulous care and adherence to democratic principles. Effective management of such protests involves not only upholding the right to peaceful assembly but also employing strategies that balance the protection of these rights with the critical need to maintain public order.

President Tinubu has attempted various forms of manipulation, warning that protests fueled by anger could lead to violence and hinder progress. While touting his social welfare initiatives, he criticizes protest sponsors for allegedly prioritizing personal gains over national interests. However, this narrative is unconvincing. Those who have ascended to leadership through cunning, favoritism, ethnicity, religion, or bribery often take the marginalized for granted. Now, these individuals are ready to expose the games and fight for what is right.

It is crucial to understand that peaceful assembly and protest are fundamental democratic rights enshrined in international law. These rights enable citizens to voice their concerns and push for necessary changes. Efforts to intimidate or discredit genuine protesters not only undermine these rights but also threaten the integrity of democracy itself.

The State Security Service (SSS) claims that certain groups plan to infiltrate the protests to incite violence. While such strategies are not new, effective and respectful policing is the appropriate response.

The government must abandon its manipulative tactics and instead focus on upholding protesters' rights. Ensuring law enforcement is well-trained, engaging constructively with protest organizers, and avoiding inflammatory rhetoric are essential for fostering a democratic society. Attempts to suppress dissent through intimidation will not succeed—the voices of the people and their right to peaceful protest must be respected and protected.

The stakes are high, and the government's approach to this protest will signal its commitment to democratic values or its willingness to undermine them. It is essential to resist any attempts to subvert or disrupt the democratic process through manipulative tactics or unjustified fears. Instead of playing divisive games or creating distractions, focus on addressing the core issues raised by the protesters and ensure that the fundamental right to peaceful demonstration is preserved and protected.

The successful management of protests in democratic societies depends on the ability to discern between peaceful participants and those who might pose a threat to public safety. This discernment requires specialized training and adherence to detailed protocols focused on identifying behaviors indicative of potential violence, rather than making generalizations based on the size or nature of the protest.

Police officers need to be adept at assessing and responding to specific behaviors that may suggest a risk of violence. This includes observing interactions within the crowd, monitoring for signs of aggression, and identifying any individuals or groups attempting to incite unrest. Training in behavioral cues and conflict de-escalation techniques is crucial. Officers should be skilled in distinguishing between peaceful demonstrators and potential disruptors, ensuring that the primary focus remains on maintaining a safe and orderly environment for all participants.

In democratic contexts, effective protest management often involves proactive communication with the organizers. Engaging with protest leaders before the event offers an opportunity to establish a mutual understanding of the protest’s objectives, logistics, and expected conduct. This dialogue is essential for setting clear guidelines that respect the rights of protesters while ensuring public safety.

Through these discussions, law enforcement can clarify their role in protecting the rights of demonstrators and outline the boundaries for acceptable behavior. This cooperative approach helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the potential for conflict. Agreements might be made regarding designated protest areas, routes, and permissible activities, facilitating a well-organized demonstration. By collaborating with organizers, law enforcement can better manage the protest while upholding democratic values and ensuring that all parties are aligned on the event’s conduct.

Managing large crowds during protests should be grounded in non-confrontational techniques. Democratic nations typically designate specific protest zones, use physical barriers to guide movement, and deploy officers trained in de-escalation and conflict resolution—not shooting, beating, or flogging. The world is watching.

Non-confrontational crowd management involves maintaining a visible yet non-intrusive presence, engaging with protesters respectfully, and using strategies that minimize escalation. This includes verbal communication to address issues, clear boundaries to manage crowd flow, and less invasive methods to control the environment. These strategies help ensure public order without resorting to aggressive tactics that provoke unnecessary tension.

Police forces should prevent the infiltration of disruptors through intelligence gathering and surveillance while respecting peaceful protesters. The focus should be on preventing disruptions while preserving the right to peaceful assembly.

Transparency and accountability are crucial for maintaining public trust in law enforcement. In democratic nations, police actions during protests are closely monitored to ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Transparency involves public briefings, detailed incident reports, and addressing complaints. Clear communication by law enforcement builds trust and reinforces their legitimacy. They should affirm their commitment to protecting peaceful protesters' rights while maintaining order and preventing harm.

Using video phones and cameras to record interactions helps identify abusers of peaceful protesters and troublemakers, ensuring accountability.

Effective communication and the use of surveillance tools demonstrate a commitment to fairness and legality, ensuring protests proceed smoothly and that roles and responsibilities are clear to all parties.

Recent discussions involving traditional rulers, ministers, governors, lawmakers, and other government officials indicate substantial efforts to address the upcoming protest. However, these meetings alone may not be sufficient to resolve the underlying issues. It is imperative that these discussions are directed towards engaging directly with the youth and addressing their demands before the protest begins on August 1st.

Rather than attempting to divide groups or create distractions, the government should focus on meaningful engagement with protest organizers and addressing the root causes of the discontent. Prioritizing these actions will be more effective in resolving the issues and ensuring a peaceful outcome. The government’s efforts should center on understanding and meeting the protesters' demands to foster a more constructive dialogue.

Additionally, it is essential for the military to avoid making statements that could exacerbate tensions. Recent comments suggesting that the protest could be a means for youths or protesters to take over the government are both troubling and counterproductive. Such rhetoric risks inflaming the situation and eroding trust in democratic processes. The military should refrain from public commentary on protests and leave the management of public demonstrations to the police, who are trained to handle such situations within the framework of democratic principles. We must avoid repeating the mistakes of the #EndSARS protests, where excessive force and mismanagement led to significant unrest and loss of public trust.

The statement by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declaring that there is “no room for protest” in Abuja is not only misguided but deeply counterproductive. Such a declaration undermines the very essence of democratic principles and risks further alienating the public. It is imperative that neither the government nor the citizens heed this inflammatory advice. Prohibiting protests in the capital does nothing to address the underlying issues and instead exacerbates tensions. Rather than imposing restrictive measures that could provoke stronger reactions and erode public trust, the focus should be on facilitating peaceful demonstrations and ensuring their effective management. This approach will better align with democratic values and foster a more constructive and respectful dialogue between the government and its citizens.

It is essential to recognize that the upcoming protest is not merely a public demonstration but a profound reflection of the societal frustrations that have accumulated over time. The government’s approach to managing this protest will be a litmus test for its dedication to democratic norms and its ability to maintain public trust. The principles of democratic engagement necessitate that authorities differentiate between peaceful protesters, who seek to express legitimate concerns, and those who may pose threats to public order. This distinction is not merely operational but a fundamental aspect of respecting and upholding democratic freedoms.

The psychological dynamics of protest management require a nuanced understanding of both crowd behavior and individual motivations. Law enforcement must identify and address potential threats without infringing on the rights of peaceful protesters. This involves behavioral analysis, conflict de-escalation, and strategic communication. Effective protest management is rooted in transparency and accountability, which bolster public confidence and ensure actions are justified and proportionate.

This protest is a critical test for Nigeria’s democracy. The government must prioritize democratic rights and address public concerns directly. Immediate action is needed: train law enforcement properly, reject inflammatory rhetoric, and engage constructively with protest organizers. Failing to act responsibly could undermine democratic institutions and deepen societal divides.

Recent actions and statements from the military and local officials risk undermining democratic processes rather than supporting them. The rhetoric about the protest aiming to take over the government is an old, worn-out tactic. The Inspector of the Nigeria Police is also engaging in manipulative strategies by alleging the involvement of foreign mercenaries—another attempt to discredit peaceful protesters. Such statements, suggesting there is no room for dissent in Abuja, are alarming and counterproductive. These comments escalate tensions and jeopardize the democratic fabric of the nation. Sponsoring bad actors to join protests and blame genuine protesters is a dangerous game that will backfire, further eroding public trust.

President Tinubu, it is your duty to differentiate between good and bad protesters. The police and security agencies must stop playing games and let the protest proceed smoothly. Meet the protesters' demands instead of resorting to intimidation using police and courts. Such tactics are wrong; you cannot kill or arrest all Nigerians.

Replace divisive rhetoric with constructive dialogue and genuine engagement with the protesters. The military's involvement in public discourse around the protest must be prohibited to prevent further erosion of public trust. Past incidents like the #EndSARS protests highlight the dangers of excessive force and mismanagement. The military should confine itself to its traditional functions, leaving the management of public demonstrations to the police, who are trained to handle such situations within a democratic framework.

Redirect recent efforts to convene meetings with traditional rulers, ministers, governors, and lawmakers towards addressing the core issues sparking the protest. Engaging directly with the youth and addressing their demands is not just political strategy but necessary for maintaining social stability and trust in governance. Focus on resolving underlying grievances rather than attempting to divide or placate groups through superficial measures.

This protest is a vital expression of democratic rights, reflecting deep-seated societal grievances. To navigate this effectively and uphold democratic integrity, approach the protest with unwavering respect for individual rights and a resolute commitment to public safety.

The protest on August 1st is more than a demonstration—it is a fundamental exercise in democratic freedom. Supporting and protecting this right is crucial. Manage the associated risks with meticulous care and adherence to democratic principles. Effective protest management involves upholding the right to peaceful assembly while balancing the protection of these rights with maintaining public order.

Protesters must remain committed to non-violence. Any sign of violence could be manipulated by the government to justify harsh measures, undermining the legitimacy of the protest and the democratic principles it represents. Nigerians must ensure they are not used as pawns by sponsored troublemakers aiming to disrupt the peaceful nature of the demonstration.

This protest presents a crucial opportunity for Nigeria's democracy. Approach this situation with kindness, honesty, and practicality. Addressing the demands of the protesters—especially those driven by youth concerns—can potentially avert the protest altogether. Evaluate which demands can be met immediately and which can be addressed in the near future. By doing so, the government will demonstrate a commitment to democratic values and strengthen public trust and goodwill.

As Nigeria stands on the brink of another significant protest, the imperative for upholding democratic principles while managing public dissent has never been more critical. This protest, a manifestation of the people's right to voice their grievances, poses both a challenge and an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to democratic values and effective governance.

President Tinubu, keep an eye on your blood pressure, sugar levels, stress, sleep, and watch out for leg or body cramps—you might need to keep some pain relief cream handy! It's going to be a rough ride in the coming days. Thank you for considering these urgent recommendations. The handling of this protest will be crucial in determining Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values and public safety.