Tuesday 9 August 2011

The Rabble Speaks

It is no news now that parts of England are/were on fire. 

This situation brings back memories to me:
In 1990, the Nigerian Military Government decided to accept a World Bank/ IMF loan.                                                            This loan came with the condition that the government implement Structural Adjustment Policies (SAPs).                                                               These SAPs required Nigeria to do the following:
-          Devalue the Naira against the Dollar;
-          Lift import and export restrictions;
-          Balance the budget and not overspend;
-          and remove price controls and state subsidies

In a country with more accountability, this could have been bearable. 

However, most students were incensed because we knew that corruption, economic mis-management and an absence of accountability had put Nigeria – Africa’s primary oil producer – in this position. The general feeling was that these austerity measures would mean - as always - ‘poor man go suffer but big man go chop big time’ (the poor would suffer, while the rich would continue to prosper)

University students all over Nigeria took to the streets to protest. Aged 19 and in my third year at Uniben, I was one of them. We felt anger towards a government that didn’t seem to care about us; that wasn’t paying our parent’s  their salaries and pensions; that was doubling fuel prices and refusing to upgrade campus facilities.

Indeed, why should the government even care...when most of their children were schooling abroad.

I am proud to say that I was part of that Student Protest because that was my only way I could express myself – as a young student from an average, struggling home...who was growing up under a military regime. However, I never looted because my upbringing would not let me – deep down I was a ‘well-brought-up girl’.

Unfortunately, what started as a peaceful student protest degenerated into looting and stealing. Unfortunately, others who were not so ‘well-brought up’ destroyed and looted. Just like in the London riots.

Lives were lost, people were injured, looters destroyed businesses and a lot of students were suspended/ expelled.

I do not endorse or support what is going on in London at the moment BUT like my father always said ‘If two friends never quarrel, one is cheating the other’. Yes, the protests have gotten out of control, but I believe they are a manifestation of underlying issues.

In a year where the UK has seen numerous people lose their jobs; families lose their homes due to missed mortgage payments; children suffer in homes where finances have dwindled to nothing; small businesses close because banks have cut off their overdraft; youth and community centres shut due to austerity measures...........................We have also seen two Royal weddings; Banks post substantial profits and the decision to treble university fees from 2012.

Rioters are always likely to hijack peaceful protest AND Some people are always intent on committing crime.

Unfortunately, time and time again, governments ignore the gentle voices of protesters until their voices are taken over by the roar of the rabble. 

All this might have been avoided if the Police had been more diplomatic in the way they handled the family of the man who was shot. Who knows.............

Unemployment;........ Racial tensions;....... Bad Parenting;........ Social Inequality;......... Bad Policing;.............whatever fuelled this, I only hope that the underlying issues are not ignored. If they are, history tells us they will come back to haunt us.

The brave lady in the video below made a passionate speech in the midst of looters...I believe she speaks for most Black mothers:

38 comments:

  1. Well said NIL--- Underlying issues is the the Key here, I find it disheartening that people don't get that there is more to the riot.

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  2. Funny I just wrote about this though I focused on one major aspect which is the government on issues of discipline/parenting. But you're right. The underlying issues shouldn't be lost. In the cause of the mayhem, its very possible focus will be on the criminals and not on the issues.Will they learn their lessons? I don't know about that

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  3. Thanks my sistah
    I believe freedom of expression is one the great facilitators of progress.
    The media will like us to assume all protesters are rioters; all rioters are looters and all looters are black.
    Not at all, not at all.

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  4. @Stelz
    I'm off to read your blog now.
    Regarding lessons learnt...I really dont expect the government to realise overnight - how deep-rooted apathy has become. To be honest, most of the elected are too far removed from 'ordinary people'

    However, I do believe events like these change communities. If communities change, it is likely they will put pressure on their elected representatives.
    Thanks my sistah

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  5. ..............really dunno what to say sistee...am short of words this time around..*sighs.

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  6. It's sad that the World bank/IMF are part of the problem, even as they are part of the solution.

    Well said about the underlying issues. Someone was talking to me about the riots in London yesterday and she was surprised at my indifference. With all the economic problems around the world, it was only a matter of time before an uprising occurred.. Right now I'm still waiting for the "American riot." The wealth disparity is just too much

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  7. Well said NIL. Its not only in Nigeria that #enough is enough. You spoke well about the apathy. That's the one that scares me... between kids and parents and authority. It was a laugh to hear that the police were appealing to "parents to hold their kids". really?
    Then again, I look at my pictures of Buckingham palace and Holyrood palace and I think of how much is being sunk to maintain these places and those who live within its walls.

    What has saved Britain so far is its gun laws my Sister. If this were America...

    So you've aluta-ed before:). I knew you were made of stern stuff. Liver no gree me till i left school. I cheered from the side lines though..

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  8. @Ibhade
    LOL
    I leave you.......this time
    Abeg, have a think and come back. Your words are always appreciated.
    Liking the new look. Nothing do you
    xoxoxoxo


    @Prism
    My sistah
    I hear you re: 'With all the economic problems around the world, it was only a matter of time before an uprising occurred'

    Like I said before, thugs will always hijack protests. However, so many issues are always being brushed under the carpet.

    Re: 'American riots'....mmm..I really doubt it. Police with Guns + Kids pre-occupied with imitating celebrities will amke that highly unlikely.


    @Ginger
    *Nodding* re: 'It was a laugh to hear that the police were appealing to "parents to hold their kids'
    My sister! The thing tire me oh.
    You wear uniform, you get rubber bullets, you get truncheon, you get dog and you still dey whisper 'Where are your parents' Puhleasssse!

    Re: Palaces...abeg, dont get me started.

    Re: university days .....Aluta Continua my sister. The military days were no joke at all. The oppression was toooo much. LOL @ 'cheering from the sidelines'

    Well, as Bob Marley said 'He who fights and runs waway, lives to fight another day' :))
    Thanks dear

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  9. I dont believe in violent protests, I feel like the rioters in london could have passed on their message through firm dialogue. Many properties and businesses of innocent citizens have been destroyed..two wrongs dont make a right. It's hard to sympathize with the protesters at this stage.

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  10. @KitKat
    Thanks for dropping by
    I think you have misunderstood my post
    I made a clear distinction between protesters and rioters.
    The riots were sparked by the death of a young black man who was shot during a confrontation with the police.
    Unfortunately, the police did not manage communications over that incident properly...........and the PEACEFUL PROTESTS were then hijacked by RIOTERS.
    That's why I said perhaps a better handling of the initial issue - especially in these trying times - could have prevented this.
    xoxox

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  11. 2 wrongs dont make a right, but sadly it seems that it is only when the second wrong is done that pple hear the matter at hand. *sigh* Hope it all dies down and issues are resolved.

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  12. It's really sad to see what's been going on in the UK the last few days. The truth though is that i'm not surprised there's been this outburst though the way it happened was unexpected. I think there are multiple factors at play here like you mentioned and last week's shooting was just the straw that broke the camel's back.

    I'm annoyed at the way much of the commentary has gone. The way i see it, people blaming the youth for being feral and monstrous are failing to acknowledge society's role in making them that way. After all they did not raise themselves. And no, the parents are not solely responsible either. You cannot ignore a segment of society then be shocked when deprivation and these other social issues result in this kind of toxic atmosphere. Unfortunately, the politicians seem really out of touch to me They've been too busy blaming immigrants and multiculturalism for everything instead of increasing opportunities and social engagement for everyone.

    I hope at least that the rage dissipates very quickly so people can come back to their senses and the destruction can be brought to an end.

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  13. Couldn't have put it better myself mami

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  14. Well said....the underlying issue is what the govt needs to understand and address. It's not just indisciplined kids rioting, they are frustrated
    Good post

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  15. The rioters are not protesting against anything. They are opportunistic looting vandals taking advantage of a depleted spineless police force that has been hampered by idiotic bureaucracy. Are they the only ones unemployed? Is burning down the businesses in your area the best way to secure employment? Why did they not storm the parliament? Yes the government has its faults, but the one I hold them most accountable for is the removal of parental authority, and thus allowing the proliferation of an indisciplined youth with no fear or respect of authority. Parents can't smack them, teachers can't scold them, policing is 'with consent', their human rights do not come with corresponding responsibilities or duties, and the result is anarchy. This is not the way to bring about change, and will only serve to further widen the gap between the 'haves' and have-nots'. Rant over :)

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  16. Been watching it all on the news the past few days.
    Very sad indeed.

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  17. What is upsetting me the most is that MOST of the rioters are blacks. I can understand that the initial protest at Tottenham was because of the black boy that got killed but it seems like these people had just been waiting for an opportunity to be destructive. Seriously, how did Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol get involved in the whole thing?? It's very baffling.

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  18. I was so yound during the period when you guys rioted o. I don't even know much about it. Did the riot yield results?
    As for London, I guess the fire on the mountain just exploded. I hope it will be curbed soon. I wonder why it hasn't been curbed since sha, since you people are far more developed than us. God will be with you

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  19. lol...funny you're talking about the riots as well.
    I've just written a post on the riots as well but a slighly different angle. As a Londoner myself, I am appalled at the fact that opportunists have taken advantage of a peaceful protest and are using it as an excuse to steal, intimidate and hurt other people. People have lost their livelihoods, businesses, properties and all for what? Just because someone wants trainers or they are unhappy with the status quo. There are a lot of things I'm not happy about in life but I don't go around committing violent acts.
    Yes, there are issues and yes the government has made many a mistake and whislt I sympathise with families who have it hard in these times, I still think there's no excuse to behave like animals and endanger people's lives.
    And to make matters worse they messed up my dear Nandos....that's less chicken for me now...lol
    Hope your end of London is ok NIL, pls stay safe :)

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  20. Mmmmmh. I haven't been able to follow the news intimately but I hope things are much better now and that you are all safe.

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  21. @ NIL.... ​​​am with ‎​you on this,sincerely I don't blame the protesters,its unfortunate it turned into a violent protest but I hope this will send a message to the govt to look into these issues.

    BTW it just shows us that our governments can only be run by God who is fair and just to all men(men are fallible)@ NIL.... ​​​am with ‎​you on this,sincerely I don't blame the protesters,its unfortunate it turned into a violent protest but I hope this will send a message to the govt to look into these issues.

    BTW it just shows us that our governments can only be run by God who is fair and just to all men(men are fallible)

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  22. I understand there are underlying issues and the police could have handled things better but there's no justification for the senseless looting and burning of houses, none whatsoever. You don't have to burn down your neighbourhood to get heard. This is sheer greed and nothing to do with deprivation. Some children in this country are raised to feel a false sense of entitlement. They have no respect for parents or teachers which I blame the govt for giving children too much powers. I see this everyday in my job working with young people.

    Perhaps they could get an education or if they are unable to do so, try doing so called jobs Brits shy away from. They can't expect to get something for nothing, life doesn't work like that. People need to take personal responsibility instead of blaming everyone else except themselves.

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  23. Well said N.I.L.
    I hope all these countries will learn to take Nigeria's case as an example. If you ignore these things, they will only get worse. Look at the level of unrest now in Nigeria, it all started with little violent moves, now when you want to describe violence, we know we've tasted it in it's real sense.

    It's so good to know you're safe.
    God will continue to keep you and yours

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  24. That woman hit the nail on the head. I hope along with you that issues will be addressed but I'm more annoyed at the rioters and looters. I'm afraid they may have hijacked the conversation, and for what? Footlocker shoes as the woman said. Psheww...

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  25. I wish most of the people - young and old who took part in the violence and looting were opprtunistic criminals. That said, i agree with you - there's no smoke without fire, those people claiming to be frustrated and oppressed moaning about the lack of services needs to keep quiet and stop making excuses for their failure and look beyond that to succeed.
    By the way - love your comment to my blog post on this subject - i've been quoting you ;)

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  26. Riots are usually as a result of people reaching a breaking point. But i think some people used it as an opportunity to steal stuff. Glad everything is cooling down though

    Adiya
    Muse Origins Features
    Muse Origins

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  27. Finally ehn, you're very right. If government addresses issue early enough, then there'd be no need for major incidents as these. At least it would develop that sense in people that their voices matter.

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  28. The riots just upset me man. Smh.

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  29. But the family of the man who died claimed they had nothing to do with the riot. It was just opportunist teenagers stealing from shops. I personally blame the police for not being tough on them at the first incident in tottenham..Nice write up N.I.L

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  30. Do they have to loot to make their voice heard? The ones that were not even part of it will be branded one of them..Its so embarrassing to see that most of the looters are blacks.smh and walks away..

    Please N.I.L I hope you and your family safe and far away from the craziness..

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  31. Just watched the video now and I could feel the pain the woman was feeling. "If we want to fight for a cause then let's fight for a cause". So true.

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  32. I once listened to a Doctor of Psychology trying to define the cause of the looting in the UK on BBC. I can't quite quote exactly, but in paraphrase, he said; People in a crowd loses the sense of individuality as soon as they find themselves in a crowd. The crowd-psyche that takes over them enables them to believe that they can't be easily identified doing whatsoever they chose to. When the Doctor was asked on way-outs, he quipped that; the Media should be enjoined to 'individually' screen those who are caught in criminal activities. He was of the opinion that moral remorse takes over anyone who knows he would be identified by families, relatives and friends behind screens shackled in cuffs.

    I'm also of the mind that moral-upbringing does play a role here, but what one can't easily dismiss is the fact that the boundary moral-upbringing provides cannot be too relied upon when it is over-stretched.

    Good post...

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  33. Well said. That vid was touching...

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  34. @Giagerry
    You are right that '2 wrongs dont make a right'
    However, turning the other cheek is not always easy for some.
    Thanks


    @culturesoup
    I agree re '.....last week's shooting was just the straw that broke the camel's back'

    Like you, I have noticed that commentators seem to be going for the easy option - blame 'feral' youths. Immigrants and multiculturalism take the blame for EVERYTHING - unemployment, riots, crime, housing shortages etc etc

    Over the past few years, London has seen numerous young people murdered - most of them black. Funny enough, politicians have been pussy-footing around this issue.

    Curiously, after the riots, they are now coming out to deliver empty rhetoric about 'tackling gang-related issues' and 'social-exclusion'

    Am I holding my breath that there will be major changes anytime soon??? Let's just say I have more faith in community champions coming up with initiatives to help communities heal.
    Thanks for dropping by
    xxxxx



    @Nollywood REinvented
    Thank you my sister
    Hope all is well with you
    xxxxx



    @Rebirth
    Thanks my sister
    I believe the blame can be shared between parents, policy makers and the kids themselves.
    Thanks again


    @justjoxy
    I understand your frustration but I disagree to some extent when you said 'They are opportunistic looting vandals taking advantage of a depleted spineless police force that has been hampered by idiotic bureaucracy'
    The protest was hijacked by looters.
    However, we should not be distracted from the issues that made this spiral out of control.
    What makes young people - with no previous criminal history - so ready to follow the mob?
    Again, I disagree when people complain about the government taking away ALL parental authority. The government does have its fault but I must say a lot of parents were very happy to relinquish control to the state.
    I just hope the riots will wake politicians up to the fact that widening social inequality will only make a volatile society
    Thanks for your insightful comment. Much appreciated


    @Mimi B
    Yes, my sister. Very sad.
    I felt really bad for the owners of small businesses who were affected.
    Thanks


    @mstizzle
    Re: ' Seriously, how did Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol get involved in the whole thing?'
    That is why I believe we need to look at the underlying issues.............or it will definitely happen again.
    Thanks

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  35. @ilola
    Re: 'I wonder why it hasn't been curbed since sha,
    I believe the police were scared of being accused of being 'heavy handed' This has happened in the past.
    As for 'since you people are far more developed than us'
    All I have to say is - I'm surprised you feel 'we' are more developed.
    Thanks for dropping by
    xxx


    @Gospel Girl
    I read your post on the riots too
    I totally agree re: 'I am appalled at the fact that opportunists have taken advantage of a peaceful protest and are using it as an excuse to steal, intimidate and hurt other people'
    Couldnt put it better myself

    I see your point that ' There are a lot of things I'm not happy about in life but I don't go around committing violent acts'
    You are obviously well brought up!
    LOL @ 'your Nandos' I guess they were hungry LOL



    @os
    Things are much better.
    Thank you very much
    Hope you are well too?
    xxxxx


    @ enybees-hub
    Like you, I hope 'this will send a message to the govt to look into these issues'

    Agree re: 'just shows us that our governments can only be run by God who is fair and just to all men' Unfortunately power often makes men forget God.
    Thanks dear
    xxxx

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  36. @Naija4Life
    I totally agree re 'there's no justification for the senseless looting and burning of houses'
    However, you have to remember that a mob is not the greatest place to find a rational thinker.

    I also agree that 'Some children in this country are raised to feel a false sense of entitlement'

    However, I do believe some issues have been ignored for too long.

    London alone has faced gang-wars, stabbings etc for quite a while. It has taken this riot for senior policy makers to stop navel-grazing and start scratching their heads - as to why this is so.

    Thanks for your comments
    xxoxoxoxo


    @MsJB
    I totally agree re: ' If you ignore these things, they will only get worse'
    Again the Nigerian example you used is on point.
    Thanks so much


    @Myne Whitman
    Yes, the woman in the video was amazing.
    The best orators are not the ones who practice time and time again....it is those who are passionate about their subject.
    Totally agree when you said - the rioters and looters 'may have hijacked the conversation, and for what?'
    *sigh* re: 'Footlocker shoes'
    Thanks my sister


    @msluffa
    Agree re: ' there's no smoke without fire'
    Also agree re 'those people claiming to be frustrated and oppressed moaning about the lack of services needs to keep quiet and stop making excuses for their failure and look beyond that to succeed'
    Life is a challenge for most my sister.
    Thanks

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  37. @Muse Origins
    Your comment summarised all I said especially 'Riots are usually as a result of people reaching a breaking point'
    Thanks so much for the insightful comment
    Much apreciated
    xxxxx



    @Michael Onobote
    Totally agree re: '.......At least it would develop that sense in people that their voices matter'
    When people feel their voices don't matter, we have trouble.
    Thanks my brotha



    @Ms.Buki
    I hope you are feeling better oh
    I also hope you were safe all through
    xxxxx



    @Lioness said...
    I agree re: 'I personally blame the police for not being tough on them at the first incident in tottenham'
    That would have sent out a clear message I think.
    Absolutely
    Thanks my sister


    @unveilinggold
    Re 'Do they have to loot to make their voice heard?
    That's why I said the looters hijacked the message.
    Unfortunately, that's what always happens when a protest starts.
    Re: 'embarrassed'...I decided long ago to only be embarrassed for people/issues I have control over.
    Only my kids can embarrass me.
    Thanks for asking after my family. we are fine. Thanks again


    @mstizzle
    Re: the video
    Such a powerful speech.
    Hear hear re: 'If we want to fight for a cause then let's fight for a cause"
    Thanks my sister
    xoxoxox

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  38. @Strong Self
    Totally agree re 'mob mentality'
    Re: 'moral remorse'.....we have now seen several cases of people who gave themselves up/ were given up by relatives.
    Re: 'moral upbringing' I do agree. I wonder what a 14 year old is doing outside at 10pm??
    beats me. Thanks so much
    Hope all is well with you
    xxxxx


    @Boma
    Glad you liked the video.
    That woman should address a group of offenders.
    Thanks for dropping by
    xxxxx

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I always look forward to reading comments from visitors - so please leave yours. Many thanks for dropping by....xoxoxox