EndBadGovernance protests: Matters arising

Asuku S. Audu

The precipitous removal of fuel subsidies by the Tinubu administration, without establishing adequate protective measures to cushion its impact, has proven to be a calamitous mistake. This ill-fated decision has exacerbated the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable and marginalized segments of society, including retirees, low-income families, small business owners, and the working class.

The absence of sufficient safeguards has led to a surge in prices, a decline in purchasing power, and a rise in poverty levels. The consequences of this blunder have been devastating, leaving countless citizens struggling to make ends meet.

It is this dire situation that has sparked the #endbadgovernance protests, as citizens demand accountability, better governance, and a more compassionate approach to economic policy-making. The people are calling for a government that prioritizes their welfare, protects their interests, and addresses their concerns.

The Tinubu administration must take responsibility for this mistake and take immediate action to mitigate its effects. This includes implementing measures to cushion the impact on the most vulnerable, investing in social safety nets, and engaging in inclusive and transparent economic policy-making. Only then can we begin to rebuild trust and restore hope in his #Renewedhope agenda. 

The #endbadgovernance protests may be over, but the devastating aftermath remains. The trail of death, destruction, and displacement serves as a grim reminder of the hunger, desperation and frustration that fueled the protests. Yet, despite the dire circumstances, there is still no clear indication that the widespread hunger will be over soon. 

This stark reality casts doubt on the sincerity of our leaders’ promises to tackle the root causes of hunger and starvation. Their words seem hollow when contrasted with the harsh conditions on the ground. They have perfected the art of deception, skillfully weaving lies into their rhetoric. Their promises are elaborate tapestries of falsehoods, carefully crafted to conceal the truth. Dishonesty is the very fabric of their being, a second skin that clings to their souls, suffocating integrity and authenticity. The echoes of deception resonate through their empty promises, leaving one wondering if they will ever prioritize the welfare of their people over their own interests.

It is perplexing that we continue to endure unimaginable hardships with a mix of stoicism and optimism. We have indeed not had it so bad in this country. Our collective tolerance for suffering has become a double-edged sword; on one hand, it has allowed us to survive against incredible odds, and on the other hand, it has enabled our oppressors and emboldened them to continue their exploitation. We must break this cycle of suffering and smiling, and of defending those who perpetuate our misery. It is time for us to demand more from our leaders and from ourselves. We must put pressure on our leaders to work towards a future where hunger and starvation are eradicated, and prosperity and justice reign.

Despite the promises and assurances, there are no tangible signs to warrant unbridled optimism. The gnawing hunger and emptiness in our bellies cannot be simply wished away or alleviated by empty rhetoric. The harsh reality is that our hunger can only be satiated when there is food on our tables, and access to basic necessities.

Until then, the declarations of progress and prosperity ring hollow. We need concrete actions, not mere words, to address the systemic issues perpetuating poverty and hunger. It’s time for our leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take tangible steps towards ensuring food security, economic empowerment, and social justice.

Three weeks have elapsed since the ten days nationwide protests ended, yet the market situation remains dire. The prices of essential commodities and foodstuffs continue to soar, pushing them further out of reach for the impoverished masses. The vulnerable populations teeter on the brink of disaster, with a precarious thin line separating them from starvation and death.

The situation demands immediate attention and action. We must hold our leaders accountable for ensuring access to affordable food and essential necessities. The right to food is a fundamental human right, and its denial is a gross violation of human dignity.

And those attempting to inject religion, ethnicity, and regionalism into the recent #endbadgovernance protests have failed to recognize that the widespread hunger and suffering caused by the Tinubu administration’s harsh economic policies transcends all boundaries and divisions. Their efforts are not only mischievous but also misguided.

It’s hypocritical to suggest that these divisions were absent during Tinubu’s election, when in fact, they were overlooked in favor of a unified desire for change. Now, as the administration’s policies have exacerbated economic hardship, it’s disingenuous to try to exploit these divisions to cover up anti people economic policies.

Let’s put aside pettiness and acknowledge the true culprit: bad economic policy. Only by confronting this reality and being honest with ourselves can we hope to propel our country forward, from stagnation to progress. We must focus on unity and collective action to address the root causes of our suffering, rather than allowing divisive tactics to derail our momentum.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned challenges, the clamor for a military takeover is utterly unacceptable, outrageous, and reckless. This suggestion is an egregious affront to our democratic principles and the progress we’ve made as a nation. We are far from deep desperation, and we must never resort to such drastic, undemocratic measures. Military coups are a relic of the past, with no place in modern governance. They imperil stability, human rights, and the rule of law. We must categorically reject such calls and instead focus on fortifying our democratic institutions, fostering dialogue, and pursuing peaceful solutions to our challenges. Our collective efforts should be directed towards building a more robust, inclusive, and resilient democracy, not undermining it.

The current fuel scarcity has taken a devastating turn for the worse, escalating dramatically in the aftermath of the #endbadgovernance protests, thereby compounding an already dire situation. Securing fuel at N950 per litre has become a rare privilege, with many considering themselves fortunate to access it at this exorbitant price. The situation has reached a boiling point, with the most vulnerable members of society bearing the brunt of the crisis. The impoverished masses, already struggling to survive, have been pushed to the edge, their pleas for relief drowned out by the cacophony of corruption and mismanagement. As the fuel shortage worsens, the very fabric of our society is beginning to fray, threatening to unravel the fragile threads of trust and stability.