Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

40(16): 20-29, 2021; Article no.CJAST.68544 ISSN: 2457-1024 (Past name: British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, Past ISSN: 2231-0843, NLM ID: 101664541)

The Psychological Implications of #EndSARS in : A Theoretical Expository Approach

Chukwuemeka A. F. Okoye1*, Harry Obi-Nwosu1, Chidozie E. Nwafor1 and Paschal Chukwuma Ugwu1

1Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, , Nigeria.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. Author CAFO designed the study, formed the analyse, wrote the protocol and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Authors HO-N and PCU managed the analyses of the study. Author CEN managed the literature search. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Article Information

DOI: 10.9734/CJAST/2021/v40i1631419 Editor(s): (1) Dr. Ritu Singh, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India. (2) Dr. Meng Ma, Mount Sinai Genomics Inc., USA. Reviewers: (1) Seidinger-Leibovitz, Flávia Machado, State University of Campinas, Brazil. (2) Iracema do Vale Pinheiro, Centro Universitário Luterano de Manaus – CEULM/ULBRA, Brazil. (3) Edson Olivari de Castro, UNESP, Brazil. (4) Robert Pasnak, George Mason University, USA. (5) Yolanda Oliva Peña, México. Complete Peer review History: https://www.sdiarticle4.com/review-history/68544

Received 17 April 2021 Accepted 22 June 2021 Original Research Article Published 10 July 2021

ABSTRACT

The nation of Nigeria recently experienced unprecedented violence occasioned by the activities of the Special Anti- Robbery Squad, popularly known as SARS. This tactical Police unit charged with the onerous responsibility of dealing with violent crimes such as car-jerking, armed robbery, kidnapping, and sundry crimes allegedly became a terror against . They were accused of brutality, rights abuse, undue criminal profiling of youths, rape, extra-judicial killings, among other forms of abuse. These states of affair prompted Nigerian youths to initiate a protest against this Police unit tagged #EndSARS. The protest at inception was a peaceful one. Unfortunately, this supposed peaceful protest degenerated into a chaotic and violent one across the country, largely due to the high handedness of security operatives, particularly the special anti robbery squad. Consequently, several people lost their lives, public and private properties were burnt or destroyed, unimaginable looting occurred, several correctional centres witnessed jail-break, among other forms ______

*Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected], [email protected];

Okoye et al.; CJAST, 40(16): 20-29, 2021; Article no.CJAST.68544

of violence. The aim of this paper therefore is to examine the psychological implications of the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria. This was done by analysing the position of some psychological theories, with the frustration-aggression hypothesis forming the theoretical framework for the analysis. Thereafter, recommendations were proffered on ways to avoid further protest, including the need for government to see the development of the youth as a priority in Nigeria.

Keywords: Psychological; implications; #EndSARS, protest; theoretical; expository.

1. INTRODUCTION ways. Essentially, this tactical Police unit recorded several successes against the men and On October 4, 2020 #EndSARS was trending in women of the underworld. Indeed, these retinue the space; and later erupted into of success emboldened the operatives and they protest. The protest was motivated by viral video became more daring and henceforth derailed which showed a special anti-robbery squad from their charge. They therefore assumed (SARS) operative allegedly shooting a man in untouchable status among the crop of other , before driving off in his car. This security operatives believing that they could be singular act prompted the protest by the youth for exonerated from any infraction committed in the the banning of this tactical police unit. According course of duty. to Abosede [1], this year’s protest follows previous activism and government However, they seem to have become announcements that SARS would be synonymous across the nation with allegations of demobilized in 2014, 2015, and 2017. That not brutality and unbridled impunity. Amnesty withstanding, SARS officers continued to act with International and other rights group have impunity. Their unmitigated impunity resulted in documented the units alleged abuse of civilians the current agitation by the youth aimed at including extortion, rape, and extrajudicial forcing government to disband the unit. killings. Moreover, several people have Psychologically, the activities of the SARS petitioned the police authorities that established operatives created palpable fear, and anxiety this unit on the atrocities being perpetrated by among the masses. Equally, observations their operatives. However, no concrete or showed that people that experienced SARS foreseeable effort was made by the developed posttraumatic stress disorder, establishment to curb their excesses. which interfered with their daily psycho-social adjustment. Such interference has short- and This nonchalant act by the police establishment long-term consequences on cognitive may have given the SARS operatives the false functioning. impression that they are untouchables. They therefore perceived that they have unfettered This Special Anti-Robbery squad popularly power to operate as they wished. There is this referred to as SARS by Nigerians was formed in saying that power corrupts and that absolute 1992 to deal with violent criminal activities like power corrupt absolutely. This became the lot of car-jerking, kidnapping, armed robbery, among the SARS operatives in Nigeria. Incidentally, they others, which is endemic in Nigeria. At inception, jettisoned the objective of the beautiful slogan ‘’ observation showed that their activities brought Police is your friend’’, and became the enemy of relief to majority of law-abiding Nigerians, who the people. They henceforth derailed from their saw them as an antidote to the activities of dare- supposed mandate of curbing violent crimes and devil hoodlums terrorizing the Nigerian citizenry. began to engage in routine police duties. They Indeed, their presence and operations are often seen on roadblocks in cities of Nigeria succeeded in reducing the spate of violent searching vehicles, unlawfully checking people’s crimes in the society. Their laudable role in crime phones, computers(laptops), making arbitrary fighting and prevention were not in doubt and arrests, or involving themselves in civil matters was appreciated by all and sundry. such as land dispute issues, simple assault Consequently, crimes such as kidnapping and matters, among others. They were also being bank robbery which have hitherto become a daily used by the elites and the political class (the rich) occurrence in the polity reduced drastically. to oppress the poor and the less privileged unjustly. Furthermore, their activities led to the demise of several criminal elements, forcing those that As a matter of fact, they were observed to have survived to either flee or repent from their evil engaged in unbridled brutality and abuse against

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the Nigerian people whom they are supposed to operatives, the President of Nigeria Muhammadu protect, particularly the youth, who then saw their Buhari mandated the Inspector General of actions as a threat to their inalienable rights and Muhammed Adamu to freedom. Furthermore, their engagement in disband the SARS unit and other tactical units extrajudicial killings, unabated secret abductions, pending proper reformation. Thus, the SARS unit torture, prolonged illegal detention, rape, and was banned on the 11th of October, 2020. Few unwarranted extortions infuriated the people. days after the dissolving of the SARS unit, the Several youths were indeed arrested and police authorities announced the establishment detained by being profiled as “Yahoo” boys; an of a replacement unit to be known as Special appendage for youths who engages in internet Weapons and Tactic (SWAT). The protesters fraud and cyber crimes. It was alleged that some quickly reacted by rejecting and condemning the of the arrested youths never returned and their idea. They argued that the proposed new outfit is way-about remains unknown. still SARS in another disguise and likened it to “an old wine in new wine skin”. Consequently, Consequently, this state of affairs prompted the they vowed not to vacate the streets and roads victim’s relatives and many well- meaning until the authorities suspend its’ implementation. Nigerians to raise the alarm over the inhuman and insensitive activities of the SARS operatives. Unfortunately, along the course of this sustained Several petitions were sent to the police high protest, things got awry. Some pro-SARS command, state governors, amnesty protesters (purportedly sponsored by international, human rights watch, US embassy government) appeared in the scene and violently in , Canada, African union, common attacked the #EndSARS protesters who have wealth, European union, UN human rights and been all along peaceful. This unwholesome were civilized nations. These petitions were geared observed in Abuja, , , , among toward informing them on the untowards other cities. They were seen attacking the activities of the SARS operatives and also to #EndSARS protesters with dangerous weapons prevail on the Nigerian government to stop the like knife, machete and stick. Private businesses cruel and inhuman act [2]. Nwaiwu and Alozie [2] were not spared, particularly in Abuja where cars further asserted that these petitions buttressed exhibited for sale were set ablaze. This the obvious that SARS operatives may have lost unfortunate action brought violence into the once the appeal with the Nigerian masses considering peaceful protest. Again, the federal and state the way they dress (wearing earrings and having governments after sustained appeals to the tattoos); killing innocent Nigerians and engaging youth to vacate the streets and give them time to in insatiable monumental extortions brazenly. attend to their arrays of demands, sent in security operatives to disperse the protesting Unfortunately, it was these alleged criminal youth. This action led to confrontation between dispositions of the SARS police unit that the protesters and the security operatives instigated the EndSARS protest by Nigerian causing injuries and loss of lives on both sides. youth across several cities of Nigeria, particularly in Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan. The protest was Indeed, the last straw that broke the camel’s also witnessed across the globe among back was the event of 20th October, 2020, at Nigerians in diaspora and people of other nations Lekki, , where several youths were that sympathized with their plights. Ab-initio, the massacred by the army and many others protest was very peaceful, involving civil sustained different degrees of gunshot wounds. societies, celebrities (musicians and actors), This alleged killing unleashed the violent students, artisans, human rights activists, among dispositions of the protesters; causing others. To be candid, the protest was carnival- unmitigated and monumental violence. Several like, as the protesters were seen dancing to inmates in the correctional centres were provided music on major streets and roads forcefully freed, police stations were set ablaze across Nigeria. The activities of the protesters and police personnel became the target of prompted members of the Senate and House of attack, scores of policemen were brutally Representative (National Assembly) to move murdered, public and private properties were against the SARS unit by instituting a probe into destroyed, or vandalized, warehouses and other their activities [3]. private businesses were looted, unprecedented arson took place, lives were lost, social- Essentially, in reaction to the sustained protest economic activities were totally disrupted, and by the youth against the sordid activities of SARS Nigerians became further traumatized. Indeed,

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the perceived peaceful protest became hijacked snipers are deployed against protesters. When by some criminal elements who visited mayhem such becomes the case, protest may assume the and pains on the entire country. Thus, the form of open , as was purpose of this paper is to examine the witnessed in the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria. psychological implications of the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria. 2.1 Forms of Protest

2. THE CONCEPT OF PROTEST Basically, a protest may take different forms ranging from rally to demonstrations, march, vigil, Protest, also known as demonstration, picket, civil disobedience, ceremony, riot, melee, remonstration or remonstrance, is a public mob violence, dramaturgical demonstrations( expression of objection, disapproval or dissent such as motorcade, symbolic display, etc), toward an idea or action, mostly a political one attack, strike, slow down, sick-ins, and employee [4,5]. It is an expression or declaration of work protest of any kind, boycott, press objection, disapproval or dissent, often in conference, among others. It is important to opposition to something a person is powerless to elaborate further on some of them. prevent or avoid (Dictionary. Com). According to Turner [6], collective acts of disruption and 1. Rally or Demonstration: Demonstration violence are sometimes viewed as expression of rally involves marching or walking in a social protest, and sometimes as crime or picket line, with protesters making rebellion. speeches, singing, or preaching. 2. March: This typically involves moving from Indeed, protest can take many different forms; one location to another. from individual statements to mass 3. Vigil: In vigil, protesters bear banners, demonstrations. Protest may be organised as a placards, or leaflets so that people passing way of publicly making one’s opinions heard in by despite silence from participants will be an attempt to influence public opinion or aware or informed about the purpose of government policy. Protesters may also the vigil. undertake direct action in an attempt to enact 4. Picket: In picketing, placards or banners desired changes [7]. Furthermore, where are carried and the protesters walking in are part of a systematic and peaceful circular route. nonviolent campaign to achieve a particular 5. Civil disobedience: This refers to explicit objective, and involve the use of pressure as well protest that involves deliberately breaking as persuasion; they go beyond mere protest and laws deemed unjust in order to protest may be better described as cases of civil them. It is a political action that aims at resistance or nonviolent resistance [8]. reforms. 6. Riot, Melee, Mob violence: This involves A protest therefore could be seen as an open the use of violence by instigators against resentment against an activity, action, or idea in persons, property, police, or building order to attract pity and possible amelioration. A separately or in combination lasting protest itself may at times be the subject of several hours. counter-protest as witnessed during the 7. Boycott: This, as a form of protest involves #EndSARS protest. In such cases, counter- organized refusal to buy or use a product protesters demonstrate their support for the or service. person or policy action that is the subject of the original protest. Thus, protesters and counter- 2.2 Distinguishing Between Peaceful and protesters can sometimes violently clash. Violent Protest Consequently, various forms of self-expression and protests are sometimes restricted by Peaceful protest, otherwise referred to as non governmental policy (such as the requirement of violent resistance or nonviolent action, is the protest permit) [9], economic circumstances, practice of achieving goals such as social religious orthodoxy, social structures or media change through symbolic protest. This type of monopoly. The most common state reaction to action highlights the desires of a group that feels protest is the deployment of riot police. Indeed, that something needs to change to improve the there has been an increase militarization of current condition of the resisting group; while protest policing in many countries including being nonviolent. According to the UN Human Nigeria. In most cases, armoured vehicles and

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Rights Committee (2020), people have the right individual and the loyalty the individual has to peaceful demonstration and government demonstrated. should respect international laws and let them do so. Furthermore, according to a 2014 briefing Apparently, equity theory opined that individuals published by Geneva Academy of International in social exchange relationship compare each Humanitarian Law and Human Rights,” there other, the ratios of their imputes into the should be a compelling or clear evidence of an exchange to their outcomes from the exchange intent to use or incite violence for a protest to no [13]. Indeed, seeing Nigeria as an organization, longer be considered peaceful” They also where social exchange relationship exists suggested that “ acts of violence by a small between the government and its citizens, it is number of participants do not render a whole pertinent to argue that there exists a lot of assembly violent and do not justify its dispersal” unfairness (inequity) in that relationship. It is However, not all protests are peaceful. Anytime evident that the ratio of the imputes by the protesters are causing harm or damaging government (leaders) is very low to motivate properties, those are not legitimate actions of loyalty and commitment from Nigerians. Also, peaceful protests; but violent protest. In other considering the unjustifiable nature of the social words, acts involving arson, looting, causing relationship where some citizens are treated damage to properties, causing harm to people, fairly more than the others (unfairness) , it is among others, are in the realm of violent protest. plausible to state that the level of enthusiasm of Indeed, the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria the citizens, personal sacrifices made, metamorphosed from a peaceful protest to a responsibilities and duties of the citizens to the dangerously violent dimension as a result of poor nation, and the level of loyalty demonstrated are handling by the government authorities and likely to dwindle in the face of inequity. Indeed, it security operatives. is apparent that a disloyal and uncommitted citizen may be dispositional irresponsible and 3. THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES AND could engage in protests to achieve equity. FRAMEWORK WITH RESPECT TO Essentially, the exchange between Nigerian #ENDSARS PROTEST IN NIGERIA government and its citizens has been inequitable buttressing the position of Adam [10] who stated To explain the genesis of the #EndSARS protest that whenever two individuals (government and in Nigeria, the authors reviewed the position of citizens) exchange anything, there is the Equity theory [10], Frustration- Aggression theory possibility that one or both of them will feel that ([11] and the Good Governance theory [12]. the exchange was inequitable. 3.1 Equity Theory 3.2 Frustration- Aggression Theory

The equity theory was posited in 1963 by John The frustration- aggression hypothesis was Stacy Adam to explain motivation in an originally developed by Dollard et al. [11] and it organization. It stems from the idea that was reformed by Berkowitz [13,14]. It is one of individuals are motivated by fairness (equity). the most influential theories of aggression. Since Indeed, equity theory is of the view that if an its formulation, it has been applied and studied in individual identifies inequity (unfairness) between many fields, including psychology. While there themselves and a peer, they will adjust the work has been various reformations, additions and they do to make the situation fair in their eyes. changes to the original idea, the basic Essentially, equity theory held the position that assumption of the theory is that frustration; the higher an individual’s (or group) perception of typically understood as an event instead of an equity, then the more motivated they will be. On emotion, increases the tendency to act or react the contrary, an individual will be demotivated if aggressively. they perceive inequity (unfairness). The original formulation of the frustration- Furthermore, Adam’s equity theory also states aggression hypothesis by Dollard et al. [11] that individuals do not just understand equity in stated that” the occurrence of aggressive isolation, but they look around and compare behaviour always presupposes the existence of themselves to others. If they perceive unfairness, frustration and contrariwise, that the existence of then they will adjust their imputes in order to frustration always leads to some form of restore balance. Imputes here include aggression”. Indeed, frustration in this sense is commitment shown, enthusiasm shown, personal not seen as an emotional experience, but as “an sacrifices made, responsibilities and duties of an interference with the occurrence of an instigated

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goal-response [11]. In essence, when a goal- right to hold their government accountable for directed response is thwarted, or frustrated, the their actions or inactions. The demand for individual is likely to show aggressive disposition. efficiency in the public sector should not be Moreover, Berkowitz [15] reformulated the theory allowed to lead to bad service. Consequently, arguing that frustrations are still defined as when there is bad service, citizens have the right aversive events, but that they” generate to protest and hold government accountable [17]. aggressive inclinations only to the extent that they produce negative effect”. The position of Good governance theory, essentially is a Berkowitz implies that frustration is not a direct governance approach that outlines some basic cause aggression but negative effect, which is principles according to which every government the proximal cause of aggressive disposition. It must be run. Such principles are accountability, also suggests that frustrations are just one of the control, transparency, responsiveness, economy, many potential sources of negative affect [14] public participation, efficiency, rule of law, job Essentially, Berkowitz assertion implies that creation, among others. Indeed, the theory of frustration causes negative affect, which in turn good governance was developed to encompass elicits aggressive inclinations. or reflect all the principles outlined above and many more [18]. Applying this theory to the Nigerian situation with respect to the #EndSARS upheaval, it is Considering the foregoing and in tandem with apparent that the masses of Nigerians, World Bank principles and policy interventions in particularly the youth have experienced developing countries, good governance involves frustrations in their efforts to attain instigated goal existence of an efficient public service, an responses. The experience of no employment independent judicial system, and legal framework after graduation from higher institutions of to enforce contracts and responsible learning and poor infrastructural amenities that administration of public funds ([16]. will enable them achieve their targeted goals is Subsequently, good governance also requires an frustrating enough. Therefore, it could be argued independent public auditor answerable to a that the #EndSARS protest is a response to the representative legislature, respect for the law and arrays of frustrations which the masses of human rights at all levels of government and an Nigerians have experienced in their endeavour to institutional structure that is pluralistic. In attain set existential goals. conjunction with the above, good governance is

3.3 Good Governance Theory predicated on three segments of the society, which have direct bearing on governance as highlighted. Thus, the type of political regime, the Good governance theory explains various process by which authority is exercised in the perspective about governance and how they management of the socio-economic resources evolve. This theory apparently is the most with respect to development, and the capacity of appropriate of the governance theories with government to formulate policies and have them respect to Nigerian situation. Good governance effectively implemented [16,12]. The principle of theory had its origin from a set of principles or good governance theory is also known as policies formally introduced by the World Bank in international indices for assessing good relating with and in assisting developing governance globally [19]. countries. Thus, the good governance theory is associated with governing methods and Applying this theory to the Nigerian scenario, it is structures in developing countries, which Nigeria quite obvious that politicians in Nigeria have is one. The World Bank usually requires the failed woefully in their responsibility of providing practice of good governance as a condition from good governance to the citizens, who entrusted the developing countries. the management of their resources in their In essence, good governance is about how the hands. Not minding the abundant human and public sector in developing countries can be material resources available in Nigeria, the developed. It has been observed that a modern citizens are dejected and frustrated due to poor form of government is not just about efficiency; governance in the areas of provision of that governing is also premised on accountability employment, lack of infrastructural amenities, between the state and its citizens [16] Indeed, inability to eliminate abject poverty, poorly good governance is about how people are provided services in the public sector, insecurity, treated and not merely as customers or among others. Indeed, as enunciated by the consumers [17], but as citizens, who have the theory of good governance, when there is bad

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service, the citizens are bound to protest as was educationally, politically, socially, and witnessed in Nigeria. Based on the foregoing otherwise. A situation where political office theoretical analysis, it is apt to select the holders manipulate the political process to frustration -aggression hypothesis as the enable them spend protracted years in theoretical framework for the paper. office stifles the chances of the youths with respect to political participation. Indeed, 4. DEPRIVATIONS THAT LED TO government have failed in enacting policies FRUSTRATIONS that will encourage smooth ascension of the youths to political and other leadership Nigerians have experienced oppression by the positions. Therefore, their hopes of ruling class through various forms of attaining the expectations as leaders of deprivations. These deprivations could be tomorrow are repeatedly thwarted and witnessed in the following areas; dashed through the insatiable greed of the political class to remain perpetually in 1. Neglect of the education sector: The power. This in itself is a great source of subsequent ruling class in Nigeria have frustration. perpetually and serially neglected the education sector through poor funding and 3. Poor service delivery: It is not in doubt that non-provision of infrastructure in schools. service delivery by ministries, departments The situation of many public schools (both and agencies (MDAs) of the Nigerian state basic and tertiary) is quite pathetic. Most of is poor. Indeed, it is a parlous state. The the school lack basic amenities like well quality of services delivered by the MDAs equipped laboratory, good classrooms for have been tainted by the corrupt learning, lack of teaching aids and other inclinations and disposition of their staff. appurtenances that encourage learning, Their ability to render any desired service lack of good and habitable hostels, is wholly dependent what one can offer. It particularly with respect to universities and is not driven by the patriotic zeal to serve other higher institutions of learning, among the nation, but rather by the proclivity to others. This state of affairs has led to enrich themselves. This apparently is incessant strikes by the university unions, totally at variance with their core mandate particularly the Academic Staff Union of of effective service delivery. Most Universities (ASUU), in order to force Nigerians who cannot meet their perverted government to right the wrongs. Instead, demands are usually frustrated from government have been adamant in seeing attaining their desired goals. reason with the striking workforce. Rather than equipping the public schools where 4. Absence of rule of law: The observance of the poor masses could cheaply assess rule of law in Nigeria is questionable. In education, government is busy making fact, rule of law is not in existence and has policies that empowers individuals to been trampled upon. The government establish private universities (politicians appears dictatorial and selective in their and business men) where exorbitant fees approach to rule of law. In so many are charged, thereby making education instances, court judgements are not unaffordable by the impoverished obeyed; people are detained without due Nigerians. Education, they say, is the process of law, bails are flouted without bedrock of any society, but the masses of recourse to court pronouncements, and Nigeria are educationally frustrated. people are detained by security agencies Indeed, education remains the cornerstone longer than is required by law not minding of any society. that they have not been tried and convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction. This 2. Neglect of youth development: The youth has been the frustrating approach to they say are leaders of tomorrow, but this observance of rule of law in Nigeria. is not the case with the Nigerian youth. Indeed, the government in Nigeria Nigeria is a country where the leaders presents this posture that it is above the supress their youths from developing. This law. perspective was taken based on the fact that the government have failed repeatedly 5. Ineffective anti-corruption mechanisms: to evolve policies that will empower the The anti-corruption mechanism in Nigeria youth and enable them to strive is very weak. This has been the case with

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subsequent regimes in the country. The frustrated by the antics of the government, justice system has a lot of loopholes that who derive pleasure in making anti- usually enable corrupt persons to escape peoples’ policies. expected prosecution. Indeed, the justice 8. Endemic corruption in governance: It is no procedure is very slow and usually longer news to state that there is a general compromised, that it takes years for corruption in all spheres of public persons arrested and charged for governance. In fact, corruption has corruption to be tried and convicted, if ever become so endemic that it is now a sub- they will be convicted. So many people are culture among government officials and usually frustrated by these legal public servants in Nigeria. The news in the bottlenecks in their effort to attain justice pages of newspapers and other media for perceived injuries. Not minding that outlets are usually filled with cases of there exist several anti-corruption agencies embezzlement and misappropriation of in Nigeria, but they have done little to stem public fund by persons who are entrusted the tide of corruption in the country. with the responsibility of serving the people. Monies allocated for the development of public infrastructural 6. Lack of faith in the integrity of public office amenities are usually diverted for personal holders: The deplorable antecedents of use, all at the detriment of the projects they public office holders have made the were meant for. The culture of corruption masses to lose faith in their integrity. witnessed in the governance of the country Observation over the years have shown is quite humongous. Indeed, corruption in that public office holders (Politicians, governance has eaten deep into the bureaucrats, civil servants, among others), fabrics of our national lives, thereby are so egocentric and lacked empathy in frustrating the masses expectations of a their public disposition. Their stock in trade better governance. is to amass wealth for themselves and

their generations unborn with disdain and 9. Poverty: It is quite evident that there is disregard to the public good. Funds palpable poverty in Nigeria. The generality provided for provision of public of the people of Nigeria are experiencing infrastructure and services are abject poverty occasioned by bad shamelessly and brazenly diverted for their governance. The poverty index of the personal aggrandizements. It has become world showed that Nigeria has overtaken the norm for public office holders to think India as home for the poorest of the poor. about self before others. Furthermore, this Indeed, the government of Nigeria have unfortunate and frustrating character has not done anything tangible to reduce the been emboldened by the ineffective anti- poverty status of Nigerians and thus enrich corruption mechanism prevalent in the their lives. The social investment Nigerian state. programme of government is quite abysmal and poorly administered. It has 7. Lack of effective mass participation in not done anything to improve the living policy making: As is usually the practice in standards of Nigerians and put food on the most advanced democracies, the masses table of the common man. There exists of the people participate effectively in the high cost of living, general inflation process of policy making. But, in Nigeria, culminating in high cost of goods and the reverse is the case. Most government services, which government have not policies and their process are shrouded in made visible and concerted effort to secrecy and are usually made without address. This has worsened the living input from the masses, who are the standard of the people. Indeed, Nigerians beneficiary of these policies. It is expected experience frustration in their daily effort that Nigerians should be made to know for survival. about policy initiations before they are articulated in order for them to make 10. Mass unemployment: Evidently, the level necessary input for effective of unemployment in Nigeria is quite implementation. As is usually the case in astonishing and un precedented. There is Nigeria, the hunger for participation in no gainsaying the fact that majority of policy articulation and formulation are Nigerian youth (both graduates and non

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graduates), are unemployed. This state of affair is as a result of poor governance. Conclusively, this paper is an analysis of the Government operators have failed over the psychological implications of the #EndSARS years to enact policies that will enable the protest in Nigeria. The equity theory, the youths to be gainfully and meaningfully frustration-aggression hypothesis, and the good employed after graduation from secondary governance theory provided theoretical or higher education. They have failed to justifications for the analysis while the frustration- establish parastatals and agencies that aggression hypothesis was adopted as could absorb the teaming and ever-rising theoretical framework. Further analysis showed population of the youth. It is indeed terribly that Nigerians have suffered deprivations with frustrating that after spending harrowing respect to all the indices of good governance years in the higher institutions, one is still according to the expectations of the people and faced with the dilemma of not finding a job the tenets of the Sustainable Development to do. Essentially, the consequence of this Goals. This perceived lack of good governance state of affair inevitably will be increase in structure became terribly frustrating that it crime and possibly youth restiveness. resulted to the violence that was widely referred Furthermore, most of the youth who would to as the #EndSARS protest. want to be self-employed lacked the fund due to inadequate business financing by Based on the foregoing, the following the government. This, indeed is a product recommendations were proffered: of poor political leadership. 1. Government should make the development Taking a critical look at the above factors, it is of the youth a priority. They should create pertinent to state that they are at variance with policies that will open opportunities for the the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals empowerment and mentoring of the youth (SDG). The SDG emphasized issue of zero in the area of political economy. This will hunger, no poverty, quality education, decent go a long way in engendering the feeling of work and economic growth, industry innovation sense of belonging and care among the and infrastructure, reduced inequality, youth. responsible consumption and production, peace 2. Government should set effective anti- and justice, strong institution, among others. It is corruption mechanism that is saddled with quite glaring that these growth indices are the responsibility of fighting corruption in lacking the governance behaviour of the Nigerian public and private sectors of the economy. state. Indeed, it is apt to stress that the A situation where observed corrupt governance of Nigeria is pro-elite and anti- leaders, politicians, and civil servants are people. brought to book will go a long way in stemming the ugly tide of corruption and 5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION restore hope in governance.

The # sars protest has come and gone 3. Government should also involve the leaving its’ scars in the Nigerian polity. However, citizens in policy making and it is a truism to state without equivocation that the implementations. This is considering the instigating factor is majorly frustration. Nigerians, fact that the citizens are the end particularly the youth have experienced beneficiaries of these policies. This will frustration in all spheres of their national help to engender confidence and trust from existence and survival. Unimaginable and the people. unmitigated frustrations in education, employment, quality of life, economy, 4. Government should make concerted effort governance, attendant inequality, among others, to strengthen the rule of law in the country have been visibly endemic in the polity without and the judicial system. This will restore any sign of abating. This palpable condition is public confidence and faith in the judiciary getting worse by the day, thereby arousing the and further prevent looming anarchy in the ire of the youth by way of #EndSARS violence. form of the #EndSARS protest. This reality was in tandem with the position of the frustration-aggression hypothesis which 5. Government should initiate education advocates that aggression (violence) is a product policies that are proactive and will make of frustration. entrepreneurial studies compulsory in all

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