I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki, and today I reflect on the seismic political changes unfolding in Syria. The fall of Damascus after more than 50 years of oppression serves as a poignant reminder: you can fool the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.
The End of an Era
The reign of Bashar al-Assad and his family, spanning decades, has come to an end. The once-mighty ruler has fled, leaving his prime minister behind to negotiate with rebels. The presidential palace has been stormed, stripped of its symbols of power, and the oppressed now celebrate their liberation.
This is a common script in history. Oppressors often rely on the illusion of invincibility, backed by a minority loyal to their cause. But when the scales tip, their flight is inevitable. Assad’s story mirrors that of other dictators like Idi Amin, who ended his days in exile, far removed from the empires of oppression they once built.
The Fragility of Oppression
History teaches us that the systems oppressors build to fortify their rule are fragile:
- External Allies Abandon You: Assad relied heavily on support from allies like Hezbollah and Russia. Yet, these alliances proved transactional, crumbling when geopolitical dynamics shifted.
- The People’s Will Cannot Be Suppressed Forever: Barrel bombs, chemical attacks, and mass arrests were used to break the spirit of the people. Instead, they fueled resilience and a longing for freedom.
- You Can’t Flee With Everything: As Assad fled, he likely carried little beyond his checkbook and memories of a lost empire. No matter how vast one’s wealth or power, it cannot be fully taken when the tides of justice turn.
Power Belongs to the People
At the heart of the Syrian revolution is a universal truth: true power resides with the people. Leaders who disregard this reality risk their downfall. The people may bow temporarily, but they will rise.
For over a decade, Syrians have endured unimaginable suffering—airstrikes, sieges, and displacement. Yet, they held on. Today, they celebrate a victory that seemed impossible just years ago.
Lessons for Nigeria and Beyond
The fall of Damascus offers critical lessons for Nigeria and other nations grappling with oppression, corruption, and injustice:
Oppression Has a Domino Effect: History shows that revolutions inspire others. When one nation overcomes its oppressors, neighboring regions take note. This was evident during the Arab Spring, and Syria’s story might echo similarly.
Do Not Underestimate Small Resistances: Movements that begin as small pockets of resistance—like the Houthi rebels in Yemen—can grow into formidable forces over time. Leaders must address grievances early to avoid escalation.
Peace Requires Justice: Sustainable peace is only possible where justice prevails. Oppression may temporarily win battles, but it will ultimately lose the war.
A Call for Nigerian Leaders: Our nation must learn from Syria. The small acts of violence and resistance we see today can snowball into something unmanageable if we fail to address root causes. We must uphold justice, democracy, and equity.
Hope for a Better Future
While Syria’s victory is worth celebrating, the real challenge lies ahead. The nation must avoid the pitfalls seen in Libya, where factionalism replaced tyranny, or Egypt, where one dictator succeeded another. The Syrian people deserve a future of unity, justice, and peace.
For Nigerians and others watching from afar, the message is clear: the path to lasting peace is through justice. Power must always serve the people, not suppress them.
I remain your friend,
Dr. Charles Apoki
God bless you.
