CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE IN A PANDEMIC: IMPLICATIONS OF THE BLATANT DISREGARD FOR COVID-19 MEASURES DURING THE ENDSARS PROTEST

The year 2020 had its challenges with the extensive spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and civil disobedience movements highlighting already existing threats and grievances of the Nigerian people. Across the country, pockets of protest demonstrations were organised calling for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit in the Nigerian Police Force. The protest, while disregarding COVID-19 safety protocols prohibiting mass public gatherings, came up after graphic footage of an alleged shooting of a young Nigerian man in Ughelli area of Delta State on the 3rd of October 2020 was released to the public. This paper focuses on the motive behind the Nigerian youth’s blatant disregard of the COVID-19 measures during the ENDSARS protest of October 2020 and the implications of such civil disobedience on future peaceful protest movements, peace and security and Nigeria’s democracy. It examines whether non-violent civil disobedience is justified when the government fails to fulfill its social contract to protect citizens' rights and maintain order. In addition, the paper discusses how the use of force and suppression by security forces during peaceful protests violates human rights, aggravates insecurity, and undermines democratic principles. The paper concludes with recommendations on how to better protect citizens' rights in all situations, particularly concerning the right to peaceful protest.