Pitfalls of End to Bad Governance Protest in Nigeria Writes Solomon Olali-Igabo

Solomon Olali-Igabo writes this piece titled Pitfalls of End to Bad Governance Protest in Nigeria from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

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Can Nigeria survive? A book written by Arthur Agwuncha Nwankwo, an alumina of Eastern Mennonite College, Virginia with Bachelor of Art in History and Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Master of Art in Political Science.

The book is an explosive and disturbing expose of multi-nationals in Nigeria and a powerful indictment of enemies of Nigeria. It is an insightful book recommended for schools as a social science course in the 80s.

According to the author and he said, “the ultimate test of a good government is the welfare of the people. No nation can provide for the welfare of its citizens as long as its economy is fettered. It is for this reason that the government which legitimately aspires to lead black Africa, must cut off the pervasive tentacles of the Multi-Nationals. Nigeria’s very survival depends on this”.

Expectedly, end to bad governance protest to the ordinary Nigerian is a clarion call or agitation over the untold hardship and maladministration being faced by Nigerians over the years. The hardship is real and unconventional that people are dying in silence and Nigerians can no longer endure the excruciating pain and suffering.

Government should not pretend and stop dissuading the masses to exercise patience but do the needful to cushion the biting economic pains on Nigerians.

The policy and programme of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Federal Republic should reconsider his earlier policy statement and listen to the cry of the masses as a good leader and a father to his helpless children.

Systematically, you don’t heal a wound over-night it takes a process to get healed no matter how chronic it was.

The president shortly he was sworn into the office used the sledge hammer by removing the fuel subsidy which snowballed the hike in fuel pump price that led to the astronomical rise in prices of other goods and services in the business market. This is the crux of the matter.

President Ahmed Tinubu was not patient enough before removing the fuel subsidy even if he has good intention for the people and nation. This was his undoing perhaps he was wrongly advised. The policy is too harsh and the timing was also wrong because we are not in a military regime but democratically elected dispensation. Are we in animal farm?

Government policies and programme must be in line with the masses and not to add more pain to the existing one.

Ordinarily, the end to bad governance protest is not about youths, it is cut across board. It is beyond religion, ethnic group or political party lines but against the untold hardship and failed leadership. We are all victims of it including Mr. President.

Government had enough time to meet the demand of Nigerians, no matter how little it may be at least just to appease the seeming hardship on the lives of poor Nigerians who are at the mercy of God.

The end SARS tragedy should have been a reminder or voice of reasoning but our memories were short is the case. Insensitive to the plight of the masses and politicizing the protest is most unfortunate.

Let us not forget the Nigeria Civil War of 1967 in a hurry where assassination, tribalism, nepotism, religious bigotry and other social vices were prevalent which necessitated the military intervention in the country. The foundation of corruption started from there instead of burying the hydra headed corruption manifesting in the political scene.

The politicians are the problem of the Nation’s woes and failure. Let’s stop deceiving ourselves. Our leaders are deficient of history and wisdom. This is unacceptable.

For instance, the protest in Lagos where some protesters protested against that, “Igbo Must go” is dangerous and inciting, while some states where some protesters were attacked or victimized is not a welcome development and must be discouraged. This is a looming threat if not checked would plunge the country into anarchy.

The call therefore, “our own dear Native Land, though tribe and tongue may differ but in brotherhood we stand”.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

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