Just before you embark on protest

By: Olusegun K. Aremu

AS an advocate of maintaining and protecting infrastructure and public properties, I urge that 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 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. 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 risks 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. Participants in violent protests may face arrests, charges, and legal consequences.  Violent protests can lead to a crackdown by the 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 facilitates the preservation of property. Peaceful protests usually involve marches, sit-ins, or demonstrations that do not result in damage to public infrastructure or properties.

Since there is minimal to no damage, the economic cost of peaceful protests is significantly lower compared to violent protests. Peaceful protests are generally safer for both participants and bystanders, with fewer injuries and health risks. Peaceful protest promotes a  healthier environment. The absence of tear gas, rubber bullets, and other crowd-control measures makes the environment safer and healthier. Peaceful protests can sometimes lead to increased business for local vendors and minimal disruption to daily activities.  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. Violent protests lead to significant damage to public infrastructure and higher economic costs, whereas peaceful protests cause minimal or no damage. Violent protests pose greater risks to public safety and health, while peaceful protests are safer for all involved. Violent protests disrupt local economies and increase insurance costs, while peaceful protests have a more neutral or positive economic impact. 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 favours peaceful methods as being more beneficial and less destructive to public infrastructure, property, and the general public. It is the duty of the law-enforcement agencies 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 the legitimate right of every citizen to express themselves peacefully. Therefore, we urge every patriotic individual to kindly embrace peace and if we cannot guarantee peaceful procession, it is strongly advisable such plans to protest are suspended until that time we are able to say, yes, we can have one.

• Aremu is Executive Director, Maintenance & Protection of Infrastructure Organization

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