OPINION: Oppression is a threat to democracy and human rights – by; Randolph Iwo Oruene Brown

An oppressive government is more to be feared and worse than a hungry leopard. Oppression is a pervasive and insidious force that can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, communities, and societies as a whole.

When a civilian democratic process is truncated by a president who suspends an elected governor due to political differences, it can create a toxic environment of fear, mistrust, and resentment..

A corrupt and lawless Government that flagrantly disobeys court orders and engages in stealing and anti people friendly policies, it can have devastating effects on the economy, social services and human rights, some of which includes, Economic stagnation.. corruption and mismanagement can lead to poverty, inequality, and economic stagnation.
Anti people friendly policies and corruption can spark up social unrest, protests, and conflicts.

Corruption can lead to human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture as was seen when a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly was arrested in Abuja, sometime last year in the heat of the Rivers State crises. But, if we must be free, we must resist the oppressor and fight back to liberate ourselves. No one is going to do it for us. We must be uncomfortable and wake up to resist all enemies of progress and development. I implore all well-meaning RIvers sons and daughters and the Ijaw Nation and all Nigerians to confront this little ugly monster before it grows too big for us to handle.

Over the years, non-violent resistance has been a powerful tool for freedom fighters and social justice movements throughout history, and if used properly here, in RIvers state, it will give us a good result. Notable examples of successive non violent approach..

Martin Luther King Jr. used the non-violent resistance to challenge racial segregation and discrimination in the United States;

Nelson Mandela is a good example of the non-violent resistance to challenges apathied South Africa to secure democracy and equality for all citizens.

Mahatma Gandhi was another good example, He used non-violent resistance to challenge British colonial rule in India and secure independence for the country. We can study and apply it here too and now.

In order to tackle oppression through non-violent resistance, individuals and communities and the state can use various strategies, including Sit -ins, boycotts, protests, engaging in acts of civil disobedience to challenge unjust laws and policies.
Professionals and civic liberty organisations must raise awareness about human rights abuses and advocate for policy changes and reforms, and obey the established institutions.

Individuals and communities must build coalitions and solidarity with other groups and organizations to amplify the voices of the marginalized people or state.

Until we face the oppressors headlong by using the non-violent resistance and other strategies, there will be no development.Hosea 4 :6..My people suffer for lack of knowledge; you have the right as individuals and / or communities to challenge oppression and work towards creating a more just and equitable society..

Thank you..

Amaopusenibo (Hon) Randolph Iwo Oruene Brown, Write from Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Comments

comments