Deji Elumoye examines the factors surrounding the recent nationwide protests by aggrieved Nigerians over the rising cost of living and various government interventions before and since the protests commenced.
Aggrieved Nigerians, as threatened, embarked on peaceful nationwide protests on Thursday, decrying the escalating cost of living. Major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Osogbo saw citizens carrying placards demanding an end to bad governance.
While the protests remained peaceful in Lagos, Ibadan, Osogbo, and Abuja, Kano and Kaduna experienced disruptions as hoodlums hijacked the protests, damaging government properties and looting warehouses and stores.
In anticipation of the protests, the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, took steps to address public grievances, particularly among the youth. Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, highlighted policy initiatives aimed at alleviating the economic hardship. For example, following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the government dispatched 740 truckloads of rice to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to mitigate food shortages. Each state, including the FCT, received 20 trucks with 1,200 bags of 25kg rice each, intended to reach the most vulnerable populations.
Minister Idris emphasized that these measures were part of President Tinubu’s interventions to address food crises and urged state governors to ensure effective distribution. He reiterated the President’s commitment to making food available and alleviating hardship.
President Tinubu, through Minister Idris, appealed to the protest organizers to reconsider their plans, assuring them that their concerns were being addressed diligently. The President urged patience, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to respond to the issues raised.
The Minister pointed to several interventions by the Tinubu administration, including a new minimum wage of N70,000 passed by the National Assembly, distribution of rice, and the launch of the Student Loans Fund. He emphasized the need for the youth to allow time for these measures to take effect.
The legislative arm also called for the protests to be shelved. Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, appealed to the organizers to reconsider their decision to avoid disrupting the fragile peace. He acknowledged President Tinubu’s genuine efforts to address the country’s challenges and urged patience for the implementation of the administration’s programs and policies.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also pleaded with Nigerians, particularly the youth, to avoid protesting. He stressed the importance of unity and focused development, warning that protests often lead to violence and destruction. Shettima reassured Nigerians of President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing inherited challenges and urged them to keep faith with the government’s efforts to reposition the nation.
Overall, government officials have consistently called for peace and patience, highlighting various interventions aimed at addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges and urging citizens to allow time for these measures to take effect.
Vice President Kashim Shettima noted that the masterminds of the proposed nationwide protests were operating from outside Nigeria. He urged citizens to draw lessons from the conflicts in Sudan, Syria, and Libya, emphasizing the dangers of following external agitators. Shettima stated, “They are not in this country; we need to learn a lot of lessons from what happened in Syria and in Libya. So, what they are agitating for is a road to Khartoum, what they are agitating for is a road to Damascus, what they are clamoring for is a path to Tripoli, and, Insha Allah, the people of Nigeria will not dance to the tune of these anarchists and saboteurs.”
Despite pleas from top government officials, the organizers mobilized for the protests, which began last Thursday. Four days into the protests, President Tinubu addressed the nation on Sunday morning, appealing for calm and urging protesters to suspend further demonstrations and engage in dialogue.
Emphasizing the need for dialogue, President Tinubu stated, “Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organizers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity. Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation.
“Our democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected. Our law enforcement agencies should continue to ensure the full protection of lives and properties of innocent citizens in a responsible manner.
“My vision for our country is one of a just and prosperous nation where each person may enjoy the peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihood that only democratic good governance can provide – one that is open, transparent, and accountable to the Nigerian people.”
As the protests enter their fifth day, the critical question is whether the organizers are ready to suspend the protests and embrace dialogue, as urged by the President in his national broadcast. Those behind the protests should prioritize the nation’s interests, especially during this challenging period of Nigeria’s development.
