The Fury Within: Nigerians rise against sustained bad governance

Adding insult to injury, governmental corruption persists, with high-profile figures such as the All Progressive Congress Chairman, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio mired in bribery and diversion of public funds scandals. The allocation of lavish funds to the National Assembly and the proliferation of aide appointments underscore a disconcerting priority mismatch. The very officials entrusted with the people’s welfare seem more concerned with their own largesse

 

KWEKWU THOMAS  I Tuesday, July 30, 2024

 

LAGOS, Nigeria – In the midst of an economic crisis that continues to squeeze the life out of Nigerians, a groundswell of fury is brewing. Barely sixteen months after President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration, the demands for change are reaching a fever pitch.

From soaring inflation to a staggering cost of living, the Nigerian predicament paints a grim picture, surpassing the challenges faced during the previous administration.

The paradoxical nature of the current administration’s actions has left citizens bewildered. President Tinubu’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the Naira floatation, have exacerbated an already volatile economic situation. As multinational companies exit the country, the spectre of unemployment and poverty grows more pervasive. Nigerians are caught in a vice grip of cascading prices for essentials, with inflation reaching an astronomical 34.2% in June 2024.

The horror stories are all too real for an average Nigerian. From huddling on the streets to scavenging through dumpsters for food, the desperation is palpable. The once-vibrant land now echoes with tales of hunger, suicide, and despair. Meanwhile, a privileged few revel in ostentation and opulence, a stark reminder of the yawning wealth gap.

Adding insult to injury, governmental corruption persists, with high-profile figures such as the All Progressive Congress Chairman, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio mired in bribery and diversion of public funds scandals. The allocation of lavish funds to the National Assembly and the proliferation of aide appointments underscore a disconcerting priority mismatch. The very officials entrusted with the people’s welfare seem more concerned with their own largesse.

Against this backdrop of suffering and privation, the planned protest under the banner of “#End Bad Governance” takes centre stage. Scheduled for August 1, to 10, 2024, it aims to channel the collective anger constructively. The demands are clear: free education, an end to insecurity, a state of emergency to tackle inflation, and transparency regarding lawmaker salaries, among other pressing issues.

However, the success of this movement hinges on several factors. The organizers must ensure a peaceful and well-marshaled protest, Learn from the past mistakes where government sponsored thugs hijacked peaceful protest. maintaining order and discarding any inclination towards public property damage. Furthermore, the government must resist the temptation to counter-protest or infiltrate the movement with agents provocateurs.

As the clock ticks towards the fateful dates, the government would be wise to heed the discontent reverberating across the land. The demands for accountability and a shift in priorities are a clarion call for much-needed reform. Will the administration listen to the suffering masses or double down on its lethargic approach? Time will tell.