The #EndSARS protests of 2020, according to a former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, remain the most challenging moment of his time in public office.
In his recently released book, ‘Headlines and Sound Bites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration,’ Mohammed described the events surrounding the protests as a period marked by fake news and disinformation, which he said posed a clear and present danger to Nigeria.
“While the suspension of Twitter was one of the toughest decisions I took while in office, the #EndSARS saga was undoubtedly the most difficult moment of my tenure as minister.
“It confirmed my worst fears about fake news and disinformation as a clear and present danger to our country. It posed a direct threat to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and, sadly, it dragged my family into an unwarranted crisis for no fault of theirs,” he said.
Recalling the outbreak of nationwide protests following a viral video of alleged police brutality in Delta State, Mohammed said, “The way the #EndSARS protest unfolded highlighted the grave dangers of fake news, hate speech and disinformation, and how these vices, when amplified, can imperil democracy itself.”
The protests, which began on October 3, 2020, rapidly expanded, prompting a swift response from the Federal Government.
By October 11, the Inspector-General of Police announced the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, while former President Muhammadu Buhari assured the public of “extensive police reforms to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people.”
