Just before you embark on that protest
Olusegun Kuti AREMU
Editor’s note: Olusegun Kuti Aremu is Executive Director, Maintenance & Protection of Infrastructure Organization. Views expressed in this commentary are his.
As advocates of maintaining and protecting infrastructure and public properties, if you must protest at any point it time, please ensure it is done peacefully without engaging in violence and any form of destruction of properties.
Any destruction of infrastructure or public properties is grossly a setback for society, therefore, we must try as much as we can to protect our infrastructure from vandalism.
Violent protest as we all know often leads to the destruction of public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. It also includes damage to public transport systems, utilities, and other essential services.
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Economic costs:
Repairing damaged infrastructure can be extremely costly. It often requires significant public funds that could have been used for other essential services.
The damage can lead to the temporary or permanent loss of public services, such as public transportation, water supply, electricity, and healthcare facilities.
Violent protest often results in injuries or fatalities, both among protesters and law enforcement personnel.
It portends health risk with the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and other crowd-control measures which can have serious health impacts on both participants and bystanders.
Violent protest brings about business disruption — Local businesses may suffer from looting, vandalism, and reduced customer footfall, leading to economic losses.
Higher insurance premiums and increased claims for damaged property can lead to higher costs for businesses and individuals.
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Legal and political consequences:
Legal repercussions: Participants in violent protests may face arrests, charges, and legal consequences.
Political backlash: Violent protests can lead to a crackdown by authorities and the implementation of stricter laws and policies, potentially reducing civil liberties.
On the other hand, peaceful protest ensures minimal or no damage to Infrastructure:
Peaceful protest brings about preservation of property. Peaceful protests usually involve marches, sit-ins, or demonstrations that do not result in damage to public infrastructure or properties.
Low economic cost: Since there is minimal to no damage, the economic cost of peaceful protests is significantly lower compared to violent protests.
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Public safety and health:
Lower risk of injuries: Peaceful protests are generally safer for both participants and bystanders, with fewer injuries and health risks.
Peaceful protest promotes healthier environment — The absence of tear gas, rubber bullets, and other crowd-control measures makes the environment safer and healthier.
The economic impact: Positive or neutral economic impact: Peaceful protests can sometimes lead to increased business for local vendors and minimal disruption to daily activities.
Legal and political consequences:
Legitimacy and support: peaceful protests are more likely to gain public sympathy and support, increasing the legitimacy of the movement.
This guarantees constructive dialogue — Peaceful protests are more likely to lead to constructive dialogue between protesters and authorities, potentially leading to policy changes and reforms.
Comparative summary
Damage and cost:
Violent protests lead to significant damage to public infrastructure and higher economic costs, whereas peaceful protests cause minimal or no damage.
Public safety:
Violent protests pose greater risks to public safety and health, while peaceful protests are safer for all involved.
Economic impact:
Violent protests disrupt local economies and increase insurance costs, while peaceful protests have a more neutral or positive economic impact.
Legal and political outcomes: Violent protests often result in legal repercussions and political backlash, while peaceful protests are more likely to lead to constructive outcomes and positive reforms.
The overall societal impact of violent versus peaceful protests heavily favors peaceful methods as being more beneficial and less destructive to public infrastructure, property, and the general public.
It is the duties of the law-enforcement to ensure there is peaceful protest if there must be any protest at all. Peaceful protesters must be protected from any form of molestation. It is a legitimate right of every citizen to express themselves peacefully.
Therefore, we urge every patriotic individuals to kindly embrace peace and if we cannot guarantee peaceful procession, it is strongly advisable such plan as to protest is suspended until that time we are able to say, yes, we can have one.
