In a recent statement, human rights activist Deji Adeyanju expressed his reservations about joining protests against in Nigeria due to regrettable incident he experienced at the ongoing “free Nnamdi Kanu” protests holding in Abuja.
A History of Activism
Deji Adeyanju is no stranger to activism. As the convener of Concerned Nigerians, a pro-democracy and good governance organization, he has led numerous protests and campaigns against government policies. His activism has not gone unnoticed, with several high-profile arrests and detentions. In 2018, he was arrested six times and spent 78 days in Kano prison on charges of alleged murder, which were later dismissed.
A Commitment to Human Rights
Despite the risks, Adeyanju remains committed to his work as a human rights activist. He has pledged to take on human rights cases on a pro bono basis, ensuring that no oppressed Nigerian goes without legal representation due to financial constraints. “I will take up human rights cases on pro bono basis and ensure that no oppressed Nigerian goes to bed unable to defend his God-given and Constitutional rights because he could not afford a lawyer,” he said in a statement.
On why Deji has vowed not to protest again, he took to his social media to express his frustration, “Any protest that one million people are not coming out, I will not join,” he said, citing concerns about safety and the effectiveness of such protests. Adeyanju’s stance has sparked a heated debate among Nigerians, with some supporting his views and others criticizing him for being too cautious.
In his words “Any protest that one million people are not coming out, l will not join. Nigerians will deceive you online with retweets and leave you alone with bullets on the street.
They will then turn around to mock you and say you were only chasing clout or you are even working for the government you oppose. The era of putting my life in danger is over. I wish Sowore and others well. The only thing I can offer those arrested or wounded in any protest is financial support or legal services”.
The Challenges of Activism
Adeyanju’s concerns about protests are not unfounded. Many Nigerian activists have faced harassment, intimidation, and even death for speaking out against government policies. The Nigerian government has been criticized for its handling of protests, with some accusing it of using excessive force to disperse demonstrators.
A Call for Massive Participation
Adeyanju’s insistence on massive participation in protests is rooted in his desire to see meaningful change in Nigeria. He believes that protests with large crowds are more likely to attract attention and effect change. “Nigerians will deceive you online with retweets and leave you alone with bullets on the street,” he said, highlighting the disconnect between online activism and real-world action.
Financial Support and Legal Services
While Adeyanju may not be joining protests with less than a million people, he has offered to provide financial support and legal services to those arrested or wounded during demonstrations. This offer is in line with his commitment to human rights and his desire to support those fighting for justice and equality in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Deji Adeyanju’s stance on protests has sparked a national conversation about the effectiveness of activism in Nigeria. While some may criticize his views, others see him as a pragmatic activist who is willing to take a stand and challenge the status quo. As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of governance, corruption, and human rights, the role of activists like Adeyanju will remain crucial in shaping the country’s future.
