By Fatiha Sirajo El-Yakub
When rumors of a planned nationwide protest began circulating, many doubted the organizers’ seriousness. However, given the dire conditions Nigerians are enduring, some had no doubts about the possibility of such a protest. The Nigerian populace attributes their hardships to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies.
President Tinubu must not dismiss the protest based on misleading information from his loyalists. He must recognize the genuine anger and frustration among Nigerians. Those close to him may not convey the full extent of the problems, hindering swift and effective action.
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The planned protest commenced on August 1, 2024. Citizens in many states took to the streets in major towns, protesting against hunger and other issues that make life unbearable. They called on the president to act quickly by revising his economic policies, which they believe are at the root of their suffering.
Reports indicate that while the protest remained peaceful in many areas, some states saw a different dimension. Police accused protesters of exploiting the situation to launch attacks on government and private properties. This prompted states like Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa to impose 24-hour curfews. In Jigawa, two policemen were reportedly injured.
“These events unfolded on the first day of the protest. Only God knows what will happen if the government fails to intervene and provide a lasting solution,” said a concerned citizen.
The recent developments in neighboring countries should serve as a cautionary example for President Tinubu. The government must listen to the people’s demands and address them promptly to prevent further escalation. Failure to act may lead to severe consequences that both the government and the public will regret.
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Most protesters are urging President Tinubu to reverse the removal of the fuel subsidy, which he implemented on his first day in office. Since that decision, things have worsened daily. Many households now struggle to afford two meals a day.
Nigerians argue that fuel prices impact every aspect of life in the country. Any increase in fuel costs has a significant negative effect on their lives, as is currently evident. Therefore, they call on President Tinubu to reinstate the fuel subsidy to alleviate their plight. If President Tinubu is committed to serving the people, he must heed their demands.
Progress is a continuous process. For Nigeria to reach its target destination, leaders must not impose undue hardships on its citizens. President Tinubu’s policies, aimed at rapid progress, are too harsh for a country where most people live on less than $1 a day. A more gradual approach is necessary.
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In summary, the nationwide protest is a clear message from Nigerians to their leadership. The government must take immediate and effective measures to address the root causes of their suffering. Only by doing so can Nigeria hope to achieve stability and progress.
Fatiha Sirajo El-Yakub is a third-year Mass Communication student at the Federal University Kashere, Gombe State. She can be reached at fatihaelyakub@gmail.com