The right to protest as a fundamental right

 In the aftermath of the failure of the Government to stop people from

protesting, the reopening of the Lekki Toll Gate, I wonder how the Government, would be feeling?

Well before hand, the Government sent armed security forces to the Toll Gate but protesters still came out.

It is all well that the will of the Government was tested.

The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right of every citizen. Government as Servants of the people cannot rule without the consent of the people, otherwise, Government loses its right as a representative of the people.

The beginning of anarchy is the suppression of the right to be heard. If the people do not speak, how does the Government intend to get feedback?

Protests are not always negative. Sometimes, it is corrective in nature like when certain individuals are usurping the rights of a group.

Even despots court public opinion. Everybody likes to be loved. Denying people the right of expression is like isolating the rulers from the consequences of their decisions.

Rulers exist for the ruled under representative democracy. In law making public hearings are held. Sadly in our democracy, not much comes from such because of the attitude of the Government that does not set much stock at such hearings.

Just like a demonstration of Goodwill is welcome, a demonstration of rejection should also be welcome for the good of society.

Time there was when our University students were the conscience of the nation but no more, no thanks to the machinations of our successive military regimes.

Today, it is difficult to know the views of our youths on issues. Meanwhile, we never tire of telling them that they are the leaders of tomorrow.

How can power transit to them when all we do is distrust them and treat them with contempt.

We may not realize it but their time will come and wether we like it or not, their leadership of the country is assured.

Nature has made that possible and the example we leave behind will surely dictate their treatment of the elders. May they be kinder to us than the example we leave behind.