Come August 5, the streets of Nigeria are expected to have different looks. It will be filled with people bearing placards, wailing in a united throng, resisting the dispersing forces, demanding the government to step down, and probably, refusing to go home.

That’s #RevolutionNow, the Hashtag has been making waves on Social Media, spearheaded by the former presidential Aspirant, and Founder of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore. It seems Nigerians have suddenly woken up from their political slumber and want to make a warning statement to the powers that it’s no longer business as usual.

Topics of good governance, positive change in the Nigerian polity have always been a daily discussion in the offices, Bars, homes and Social Media. But it could barely get further than that, the political Lords know this, and Nigerians know why. It is upon this that the Nigerian political culture was developed, and there seems to be a mutual acceptance based on fear and interests, except on few occasions.

On Monday 2nd, 2012, mammoth crowds, under the brolly of Occupy Nigeria, took to the streets in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and the Nigerian High Commission in London, to protest the increment in petrol pump price. It held the cities to a standstill, paralyzed activities, and drew the largest crowd of protesters in the recent history of Nigeria. It could have buried the question of docility if not that it was politically motivated. In the end, the Actors got what they wanted and the crowd, having been used, went home to continue with their suffering from where they left it.

Ever since then, there have been so many protests, divided through religious, ethnic, and personal interests’ lines. When the Indigenious People of Biafra (IPOB), took to the streets of the Southeast demanding secession, the Government responded with brutal force that sent more than 150 members of the protesters to their early grave. Then there were Shiites whose members were massacred at the tone of 400, a whopping number of lives wasted in muzzling contests. The Government did make a bold deterrent statement; it’s “fight the Government at your own risk.”

Although there have been protests here and there, representing one interest or the other, the people have learned to keep the Government’s message in mind: “Don’t be callous enough to threaten the Government, or you pay dearly.” Not that some groups don’t try, they do once in a while. But it doesn’t take them long to realize that the Government’s resolve in quelling protests is stronger than the constitution. Just as it happened on the 22nd of July, when Shiites hit the streets of Abuja, once again, and triggered the free flow of bullets that resulted in the death of about 20 people. Their determination to dare also earned them a place on the proscription list where IPOB has long been seated.

It is upon this political culture that the #RevolutionNow is set to take place, allaying the fears, confronting the dangers, resisting the intimidation, and most of all, determining to see the flow of blood that may not lead to any positive change.

The people as usual have been grossly divided along religious, ethnic, political and personal interests’ paths. And for these reasons many have distanced themselves from the looming Revolution. There are yet others who are not in this category, yet they don’t see revolution as an answer to Nigeria’s big questions: using instances of revolution, especially in Africa as study cases.

The former DG of Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr. Joe Abah, was vocal about his disagreement with revolution as a solution to Nigeria’s many problems. In his conversation with Human Right Activist and Lawyer, Mr. Segun Awosanya, Dr. Abah opined that revolutions only happen in homogenous societies, often with unifying characteristic. And that’s something Nigeria lacks. There are so many dividing factors that make it impossible for people to speak in voice; and for this reason he believes that revolution is not possible or feasible in Nigeria.

He went further to explain that the resultant consequence of revolutions is usually far worse than the preceding conditions. He said:

“The new order simply replaces the old order and status quo continues as normal. In some cases, the new order is worse than what was there before. Many dictators were former Revolutionaries. Many were worse than what they replaced.”

Using some examples, Dr. Abah explained further while he thinks revolution will do more harm than good. The French revolution which enthroned Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite, did not translate to the behavior of the French during colonialism. The French didn’t extend liberty, equality and fraternity to their colonies. Another example that is ample to the subject of revolution took place in Nigeria in 2012, and Dr. Abah noted it. He said:

“Then there was the Arab Spring. Has that revolution made the Arab a more just place? I am not sure. Then there was Occupy Nigeria. I think most of the leaders of that revolution are in government today. We are still paying fuel subsidies, the reason for occupy Nigeria.”

The truth in this analysis of revolution, especially in Africa, has unprecedented evidence to be denied. However, a call for action to effect good governance can only be ignored to the proliferation of rots in governments. Mr. Segun Awosanya, responded to the above analysis with a clearer explanation of the motive behind the scheduled revolution, at least from his own perspective. It’s more like a ‘wakeup call’ than usurpation of power. Knowing well the kind of government the people are dealing with. He said:

“Rise as one’ is not the literal meaning of Revolution. We live in the 21st century and must act like it. There is no point giving a regime thirsty for blood a reason to mow down innocent citizens. There are better approaches that will get the government interested in being responsible.”

As much as this statement tries to minimize the premonition of chaotic 5th of August, other players are talking tough. With their adopted slogan, “the days of rage,” the convener, Omoyele Sowore, and Singer, Eidris Abdulkareem, were on a broadcast video, promising a shutdown of the country. A perceived threat that the government doesn’t want to reckon with. Mr. Sowore also said that he has been informed that the Department of State Security Services (DSS) has put him under surveillance, something he said he expected to happen, even far worse than that. But it is just what it takes to liberate the oppressed from their oppressors. He said:

“We have moved from the surveillance of the people to the sovereignty of the people. All that is needed for revolution is for the oppressed to choose a date they desire for liberty, not subjected to the approval of the oppressor.”

The cause seems to be generating interests from far and wide, even those who have tasted the brutality of the Government because of their activism couldn’t cower to the perceived threat that the revolution may pose. Deji Adeyanju, a Civil Right Activist, and an ardent advocate of good governance, has thrown his full weight on it. Senator Shehu Sani, the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode, and many more are joining the Train. The interest is growing and waning, substantial numbers of people are joining the cause while others are choosing to watch from a distance. So far, over 22 cities across the country are mobilizing for the revolution.

Amnesty International has expressed concern over the possibility of the Government cracking down on the revolutionaries, as it would amount to trampling on their fundamental human right. The statement issued through their twitter handle reads:

“#RevolutionNow is a movement of Nigerian youths committed to fighting for freedom and just in exercise of right to freedom of expression and freedom of association.

“Authorities must respect the rights of #RevolutionNow movement to assemble and seek for freedom and just without fear or any intimidation. Nigeria belongs to all of us.”

Two days after Amnesty International issued this statement, a crowd of protesters converged at its office demanding that they leave Nigeria. A video that surfaced online later showed the crowd receiving cash, which means they were rented.

However, the Nigerian Bar. Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch has pledged to provide pro bono services to those who will be protesting in Lagos.

In the early morning hours of today, the Convener of #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore was whisked away by the DSS, his whereabouts are unknown. This development has cast doubt and faith in the planned protest. It’s evidence that the Government is afraid of what is to come.

But, Will the revolution still go on without Sowore? The campaign for his release has been launched on Social Media with the hashtag #FreeSowore.

Every seller in a Nigerian open market invites every passer-by to patronise him or her. This strategy can be found in every part of this country. But whether the buyer will respond to this invitation and patronise the caller depends on a lot of things, one of which is the strategy used by the seller. I never realised this thing until I found myself in different parts of the country and witnessed different attitudes of sellers.

Some sellers lose their patience during price haggling and tell the buyers to try other places. Some just ignore buyers and send them away with their silence. There are those that will pick up quarrels because their buyers demanded for prices they believed are too low. I once had an experience where one woman that was selling tomatoes pick up a broomstick, used it to make circular movement over her wares and then threw it at me saying I wanted to bring bad luck to her because I priced her tomatoes low in the mornings (lol). Well, I always find something different in Onitsha Main Market.

My mother always says that an Onitsha market trader can sell sand to a man in the desert because of his sweet words. Truth is, in Onitsha Main Market, once you step into a shop to check on their wares, unless you don’t have money at that moment, you can hardly leave that shop without buying something. And you will be happy that you did. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you the strategies these people use to get me all the time (even till today).

1. Style of Inviting Customers

Once you enter that market (it’s actually hard to state where the market started and ended), I will start receiving invitations from different people. These people won’t say the normal “Aunty, come and buy” sort. They always make theirs colourful and personal. They say things like “Aunty, your clothe is beautiful. I have something like that.” “Fine aunty, good morning. Did you come to market today?” (This type always makes me smile and respond). “Aunty I have beautiful clothes that will size you. I even have for your fine children” (As if they know my children). Honestly, these people personalise their own system of invitation, making it look like they knew you before. Replying their greetings and questions could lead to further discussions on what I want. If I don’t want what they sell, they will happily direct me to where I can get them. If they sell what I wanted, they will lead me like I’m an emperor to their shops.

2. Receiving Customer at the Shop

When I get to the shops, they will first offer me a seat. Next, they will ask if the electric fan is ok for me and all. They will ask about my trip (as if they know where I’m coming from); if it’s been long I have been looking for the thing, and so many other things. By now the person that led me to the shop would have left to look for more customers while someone else attends to me.

You see this strategy, these traders use it to connect with the prospective buyer and then win their trusts. When this connection becomes successful, the trader can access the buyer’s taste and budget. They also use this to learn how to work on the buyer to get him to part with his money. This stage can last as long as possible.

3. Price Haggling

The price haggling of a trader in Onitsha Main Market is worth emulating. To start with, they will bring out goods that are of higher qualities and more expensive. From there, they will keep coming down until they get to the quality and price range you can afford. Then, price haggling starts.

Unlike most places I’ve been to, where traders call people names for mentioning lower prices, Onitsha Main Market man or woman will work on your psyche to get you to see things from his or her side. He will plead; he will cajole; he will tell you that the selling price will only give him a profit of fifty naira; you will even be told stories of how they ‘suffered’ to make ends meet because ‘sales are poor’ (even the current selling price was arrived at because they needed to make some sales). Chai! These people eh. By the time they are done with you, you won’t know how to demand for a lower price.

4. Unavailable Brand

In some places, when a seller doesn’t have the brand requested by a buyer, he will either tell the buyer to check the next shop or just plainly tell him that it’s unavailable. This is not the usual practice in Onitsha. In Onitsha, the owner of the shop you entered will first try to convince you to buy the brands available. If you insist on that one you wanted, he will tell you that someone will be sent to bring it from their ‘other shop’. Which other shop? The person sent out will go to the neighbouring shops to look for it. If they tell you that the brand isn’t in the market, believe them or else you may search through the market and not get it.

This strategy is good for both the seller and the buyer. For the seller, he is able to retain his customer while he creates good working relationship with his neighbours (you know, ‘you sold mine when yours was finished, so I’ll sell yours when mine is finished’ kind of relationship). For the buyer, it saves him a lot of stress moving around the market in search of the product.

5. Team Work

In Onitsha Main Market, the sellers always have cordial relationship with their neighbours even though they sell the same thing. There is no form of competition and fighting over customers there. Rather they will team up to help a neighbour convince a buyer. The major reason behind this practice needs to be found out.

6. Entertaining Prospective Buyers

Sometimes these sellers buy drinks for their prospective buyers – though this depends on the quantity of things the buyer is likely to buy. But they can willingly offer you drinking water. Note that this happens during price haggling, or even before it. So, tell me how I can comfortably walk out of a shop without buying anything after I’ve finished the drinks?

The summary of it all is that in Onitsha Main Market, the traders make their buyers feel special, important and appreciated. They are ready to ‘serve’ their customers. To them, every naira counts – a customer that will bring in N100 is treated with the same respect as the one that will bring in N10,000. There are so many lessons to be learnt from Onitsha Main Market traders.

Business men and women, and sales agents need to learn that everybody is a prospective customer that can bring in much value. They need to learn to connect with their prospective and existing customers. They should learn the power of team work and good relationship with their ‘neighbours’. This means that they should minimise unhealthy competitions with other persons and companies in their line of business. Honestly, someone needs to carry out a proper research on the marketing and sales strategies of the Onitsha Main Market traders so they can become marketing models for businesses.

Ok, so now you know why these Onitsha people collect all your money once you go there. What do you plan to do with this knowledge?