It’s been tough, and Nigerians, in their millions, are tired. The pressing question is: Can they bear it any longer?
August 1 is being touted as the day to end bad governance in Nigeria, not literally, but to awaken the emotions of those drowning in hopelessness and to show that, even for a minute, Nigeria can crawl back to good governance.
A Cry for Change
Thousands of citizens are finding reasons to shift grounds, drawing government attention to large-scale inanity. They’re pressing for freedom from the impoverishment in their souls and calling leadership to order in the wake of high living costs, deleterious inflation, poverty, dissonance, and all elements of a failing society.
While some are neck-deep in expressing these grievances, others dissent. The government, on the other hand, reflects on the experiences of the EndSARS protests that rocked Nigeria in 2020 and wouldn’t want a repeat. It’s pleading for more time and ramping up influences across all sectors to quell this budding plan.
Government Pleads for Patience
Nigeria’s government recently pleaded for more time and patience to end economic hardships as citizens mobilize for demonstrations. This plea comes a day after the country’s police chief warned against protests.
Frustrated citizens have taken to social media to mobilize protests starting August 1 against bad governance and economic hardship. Authorities fear these protests could turn violent.
After a meeting between cabinet ministers and the Secretary to the Government and Federation, Information Minister Mohammed Idris told reporters there was no need for demonstrations.
“The president is listening, and he has a message to Nigerians: we must all calm down. They should please cooperate and give the government more time. Everything that they have asked for, all their pleas, will be answered,”
The Voice of Dissent
Prominent rights activist Deji Adeyanju does not buy into the government’s pleas. He argues that the authorities want a situation where citizens cannot hold them accountable, and there will be no consequences for bad behavior.
He asserted:
“They are feeling very challenged. I sincerely believe the protesters must hold the government accountable. The protesters must stand their ground against intimidation by security agencies and threats to unleash thugs by people in government. Such things should be resisted,”
Adeyanju attributes the sponsors of the August 1 protest to bad governance, hunger, poverty, and nepotism under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Key Demands of Protesters
Protesters have laid out several key demands:
– Return of the fuel subsidy: They argue the removal has led to increased costs of living.
– Fixing the power sector: Persistent power outages and poor infrastructure remain significant issues.
– Release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu: They demand his release from the custody of the DSS.
– Scrapping the Nigerian Senate: Protesters call for its dissolution, arguing it is redundant and costly.
– A new constitution: They seek to replace the 1999 constitution with a more representative document.
– Minimum wage increase: They demand a minimum wage of at least N250,000 monthly.
– Education investment: More funds are needed for improving the quality of education.
– Probing corrupt leaders: They want past and present leaders who have looted the treasury to be held accountable.
– Security reform: To end banditry, terrorism, and violent crimes.
– Reforming security agencies: To stop human rights violations.
– Reconstituting INEC: To remove corrupt and partisan officials from the electoral body.
IGP’s Perspective
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, voiced concerns about the potential for these protests to turn violent.
“Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategizing and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests,” he remarked.
The Right to Protest
Despite the government’s concerns, the right to protest is a fundamental civil right. The citizens’ grievances are rooted in real issues: inflation, bad governance, poverty, and more.
The Tinubu administration, like Buhari’s before it, fears being dethroned by such movements. However, the core objective of these protests is accountability, not dethronement.
Bad Governance Indicators
1. Corruption: Widespread unethical practices and misuse of power for personal gain.
2. Lack of Transparency: Opaque decision-making processes and failure to provide public access to information.
3. Inefficiency: Poor management of resources and services, leading to waste and suboptimal outcomes.
4. Political Instability: Frequent changes in leadership, political unrest, and lack of continuity in policies.
5. Human Rights Violations: Suppression of freedoms, abuse of power, and disregard for human dignity.
6. Lack of Accountability: Absence of mechanisms to hold leaders and institutions responsible for their actions.
7. Poor Public Services: Inadequate healthcare, education, infrastructure, and other essential services.
8. Economic Mismanagement: Poor economic policies leading to inflation, unemployment, and economic decline.
9. Exclusion of Citizens: Lack of public participation in decision-making processes and marginalization of certain groups.
10. Legal and Judicial Inefficiency: Slow, biased, or corrupt legal and judicial systems.
How It Could End
The theme of the protest, #EndBadGovernance, resonates deeply with many Nigerians. Bad governance has inflicted untold pain, suffering, and poverty, stunting the nation’s development while enriching a few. Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to use the power of the ballot box to address these economic hardships.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Nigerians can end bad governance or if they will permit it a little more. One thing is certain: the call for accountability and good governance will continue to echo across the nation.
Phew!
