TODAY’S VIEWPOINT IS ON THE PROPOSED TEN DAYS OF NATIONWIDE PROTEST AMIDST ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES. IT IS WRITTEN BY HONOURABLE FEMI ADEBISI JP, A MEDIA CONSULTANT
Nigeria, the economic powerhouse of West Africa, finds itself at a crossroad as the nation grapples with a deepening economic crisis that has left its citizens reeling from the impact of inflation, job losses, and a weakening currency.
The country now faces the looming spectre of a national protest dubbed “ten days of rage,” set to begin on August 1, 2024.
The seeds of discontent that have blossomed into the upcoming protest can be traced back to the promises of President Bola Tinubu, a political heavyweight who has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s history.
Once a vocal critic of government policies and a staunch advocate for the rights of the people to dissent, President Tinubu, in 2012, when he was then one of the opposition leaders of the federal government, was part of those who led a protest against fuel subsidy removal under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
At that time, he rallied labour movements, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to condemn the removal of subsidies and what he perceived as economic mismanagement.
However, the landscape has shifted dramatically since then.
Following an eight-year tenure of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari of the same political party, President Tinubu now finds himself at the helm of the nation as its number one citizen.
The promises of improved governance, economic stability, and a brighter future for all seem to have dimmed in the face of stark economic realities.
Under his leadership, electricity generation has decreased, also, removal of fuel, electricity and foreign exchange subsidies has further exacerbated the economic woes of the nation.
The consequences of these policy decisions have been profound.
Nigerians are grappling with a surge in living costs, high inflation rates, soaring interest rates on bank loans, and a wave of job losses as businesses, both local and multinational, struggle to survive in a challenging economic environment.
The once vibrant economy is now teetering on the brink of collapse, and the social fabric of the nation is fraying under the weight of uncertainty and despair.
As the “ten days of rage” protest draws nearer, the nation stands on edge, bracing for the potential social unrest that may follow.
President Tinubu’s response to the growing unrest has been met with a mix of reactions.
While some stakeholders view his efforts to prevent the protest through a combination of persuasion and security measures as a necessary step to maintain order, others see it as a departure from the principles of demanding accountability and dialogue that he once championed.
With recent protests in Kenya serving as a stark reminder of the power of civil action to effect change and the dangers of government crackdowns on dissent, Nigeria finds itself at a critical juncture.
The voices of the people, particularly the disillusioned youths who face a future marred by uncertainty and lack of opportunities, cannot be silenced or ignored.
The demands for change, transparency, and accountability resonate more strongly than ever, underscoring the urgent need for a constructive dialogue between the government and its citizens.
The success or failure of the “ten days of rage” protest will not only shape the immediate future of Nigeria but also have far-reaching implications for its democratic institutions, governance, and the social contract between the government and the governed.
President Tinubu’s evolving stance on civil action and dissent in the face of his past advocacy for these principles adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative.
While once seeing protests as a legitimate instrument for holding the government to account, his response to the “ten days of rage” protest reflects a different approach, marked by attempts to prevent the protest through a mix of persuasion and coercion.
The delicate balance between maintaining law and order and respecting the rights of citizens to express their grievances is now at the forefront of the national discourse.
As the countdown to August 1 begins, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the mounting tensions and a genuine effort by the government to address the root causes of the discontent.
In a country rich with diversity, culture, and resilience, the unity of purpose and the spirit of resilience that have defined Nigeria in times of crisis may yet prevail.
The lessons of the past, the struggles of the present, and the aspirations for a better future intersect in the crucible of the “ten days of rage” protest, offering a glimpse into the soul of a nation at a pivotal moment in its history. As the sun sets on the eve of the protest, Nigeria stands at a crossroad with the echoes of different opinions and the call for change reverberating across the land.
