Viewing the #EndBadGovernance Protest from Another Lens
By Aremu Ebunoluwa Toluwani,
In about 48 hours, aggrieved Nigerians will take to the streets to vent their anger over bad governance in the country. The upcoming protests are not just a reaction to recent events, but a culmination of years of frustration and disenchantment with the leadership that has failed to meet the needs of the people.
Personally, unlike some of my peers, I support this mega protest demanding patriotic, visionary, and humane leadership, provided there won’t be bloodshed or hooliganism. It’s a call for a government that listens, understands, and acts in the best interest of its citizens—a leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people above all else.
Since the advent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Nigerians have struggled with life. It seems the litany of policies and programs of the Tinubu administration are nothing but anti-masses, sucking the blood of innocent Nigerians.
These policies, rather than alleviating the suffering of the masses, have exacerbated the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. President Tinubu, in his wisdom, believed that ending the subsidy regime and floating the naira would revamp our fragile economy.
However, it appears he was mistaken. Like Pharaoh’s edicts, these policies have tormented Nigerians, making it difficult for them to feed and afford other basic necessities of life. The removal of fuel subsidies has led to skyrocketing prices of transportation and goods, while the naira’s devaluation has made everyday transactions more expensive, squeezing the already thin wallets of average Nigerians.
In light of this harsh reality, Nigerians are mobilizing for a nationwide protest, scheduled between August 1st and 10th, 2024. This protest is more than just an outcry; it’s a desperate plea for change.
Read Also:
The people are saying, “Enough is enough!” They are demanding a reversal of these crippling policies and a move towards more inclusive and supportive governance. Though fears have been expressed in some quarters that the demonstrations may turn violent, reminiscent of the 2020 EndSARS nationwide riots, these concerns are not enough to dissuade Nigerians from protesting against the tyranny of the ruling class.
The memory of EndSARS is a stark reminder of what can happen when peaceful protests are met with brutality, yet it also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people. As such, I plead with the federal government and security agencies to provide maximum security instead of threatening or arresting those who join the protest.
The role of the government should be to safeguard the rights of its citizens, including the right to peaceful assembly. Any attempt to suppress these protests with force would only fuel further discontent and potentially escalate the situation.
Moreover, addressing the root causes of these protests is paramount. The government must listen to the grievances of its people and take immediate steps to alleviate their suffering. This includes revisiting and possibly reversing harmful economic policies, implementing measures to reduce the cost of living, and ensuring that basic services are accessible and affordable.
Ultimately, addressing the agitations and demands of the protesters will be far more effective in restoring peace and stability than using force against innocent citizens striving to make Nigeria a better place. The government must recognize that these protests are a cry for help, a call for justice, and an opportunity to rebuild trust with its people.
Only through genuine dialogue, understanding, and responsive action can the government hope to resolve the underlying issues and foster a more harmonious and prosperous Nigeria.
Aremu Ebunoluwa Toluwani, an intern with PRNigeria, schools at Bowen University. She wrote in via: 07068227568.
