Twelve days ago and counting, Nigerians in various parts of the country took to the streets to protest against police brutality and social injustices by the now-defunct police group, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protest, which gained international participation from Nigerians in the diaspora, progressed to address other national issues like bad governance and the exorbitant cost of the salaries of politicians.

As the protests progressed, more international bodies and organisations joined in the fight by creating awareness on the happenings in Nigeria. The demonstration also built hope for many Nigerians when speculation arose that the United Nations (UN) will step-in if demands are not met within 30 days of protests, according to its constitution.

The statement was initially broadcasted by United Kingdom-based Nigerian doctor and Twitter influencer, Harvey Funmilayo in a tweet where he claimed that, according to UN laws, the UN can’t intervene in a country’s unrest, if protests have not exceeded 30 days. As expected, his tweet spread like wildfire and many Nigerians built their hopes on the idea that the UN is gearing up to help Nigeria in the fight against bad governance.

From @DrOlufunmilayo

I just heard according to UN Constitution any protests that reaches 30days will make UN intervene in that country.

The Nigeria Govt knows this.
Many young people don’t know it.

EXCEPT the govt makes visible tangible immediate changes. #EndSARS

— #Sarsmustend (@Enuma134) October 17, 2020

While the plight of many Nigerians is justifiable, this protest has been met with the circulation of fake news and distractions to keep protesters off the main point. The news of the UN stepping in after thirty days raised expectations for Nigerians but if any of it is true, shouldn’t it also raise questions and concerns on just how long is needed before an international body as such should step in? If lives were lost every day, the UN would deliberately wait for 30 days before springing into action? Is that fine?

The validity of the news was however questioned and those who started to disseminate the information apologised for passing out information without verifying its validity.

Now let’s talk about UN intervention:

Emphatically, the United Nations have no “”constitution(s)””. Instead, it is run and governed by a charter. According to article 2 (7) of the purposes and principles of the organisation, as contained in the charter, the UN does not intervene in matters of domestic jurisdiction of any country.

The UN deals with matters related to the maintenance of international peace and security, which are being dealt with by the organisation’s security council. Hence, the claim that the UN will intervene in any country where a protest extends for 30 days is false.

Where our hope really lies:

The long and short is this; our hope for change is in our hands and ours alone. Yes, we may need every form of help we can get, but in the end, a huge percentage of the New Nigeria we are trying to build rests solely in our hands. So let’s all play the part that we must and support the movement in any way that we can – for ourselves and our future.

Michael Isaac

Michael is a dynamic writer who is still exploring the nuances of life and being human. When I’m not writing, I’m out with friends or spending nice time alone watching movies or TV Shows.
Michael is available on Twitter and Instagram @TheMichaelFaya