By Gidado Ibrahim
In the last week, merchants of mischief and chaos have held our country to ransom in the name of a nation-wide protest. To prove the low leadership skills of opposition leaders behind the social unrest, the protesters in Kano. Katsina and Kaduna were calling for foreign intervention and military takeover, waving the Russian flag. Their selfish interests have blinded them to the fact that reforms take time, and President Tinubu is just one year in office.
Again, the severity of these protests in Northern States suggests ulterior motives. It was in Northern States, especially in the North West that Russia flags were flying. The attitude of, if it is not the North, the house must fall is detrimental to the social cohesion of Nigeria. In 2015, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was labeled as the number one enemy of Nigeria. When he was pushed out and Buhari took over, despite all that was happening under Buhari’s government, he remained a Saint.
Now that another Southerner is in power, the North is at it again. Why should it always be the North? Besides, what has North’s domination of power benefitted the great mass of the Northern people, except the ruling class?
I wish to ask, how can any sane person compare Nigeria and Russia in terms of democratic credentials? The Russian President Vladimir Putin is in his fifth term as president, within this time, prominent opposition leaders and dissident voices went missing or, are brutally silenced. Suffice to cite these examples: Yevgeny Prigozhin (August 23, 2023); Sergei Yushenkov (April 17, 2003); Anna Politkovskaya (October 7, 2006); Aleksandr Litvinenko (November 23, 2006); Natalya Estemirova (July 16, 2009); Sergei Magnitsky (November 16, 2009); Boris Nemtsov, (February 27, 2015).
It appears we don’t appreciate the democratic freedom we are enjoying. On a sad note, one of the arrow-heads of the protest, Omoyele Sowore, a day ago urged Nigerians to stock-pile food as the demonstration is going to last more days. Two issues caught my attention from his self-serving and ridiculous statement. The so-called protest leader is leading from abroad. He ignited fire at home and escaped to his safe haven where he is probably lobbying funds from international donors, leaving children of the poor to bear the brunt.
In fact, Nigeria is among the few countries where things like these are permissible. Let me opine that these are only happening because the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission (ICPC) Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and other anti-graft agencies are sleeping and snoring.
I have spent quality time writing on the need for anti-graft agencies to get on top of their game. This is to ensure that the deep-pocket ‘thieves’, who are throwing clog in the wheel of government machineries, are stripped of stolen and looted funds. They have the power to do so and the time is now.
Again, the demand for a military takeover shows these lamed politicians are out of touch with reality. Military government in the 21st century? Let me remind their gullible minds that since the return to democracy in 1999, the center for government decision has been pluralized. Our democracy may not have been perfect the way we wanted, but democratization is a process.
Instead of thinking about a return to the military, why not advocate for reforms? Currently, every part of Nigeria is represented in the decision making processes at all levels, through their representatives. Democracy has come to stay. If we have problems like any other countries do, let’s find a way to solve them. Problems are meant to be solved. The so-called advanced societies are not immune. In fact, they face more frequent protests and strikes than Nigeria.
Instead of holding state governors accountable for their management of increased federal allocations, they are calling for the reversal of fuel subsidy removal. It’s time to redirect our focus towards constructive dialogue and hold our leaders accountable for their actions.
President Tinubu made a nation-wide broadcast on Sunday, where he tackled the pressing issues affecting Nigeria, offering a message of hope, unity, and collective effort to build a brighter future.
Ongoing Protests and Violence: A Call for Dialogue
President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the recent wave of protests and violence that has swept across the country, resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of public facilities, and looting. He urged protesters to suspend further action and engage in dialogue, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution of grievances.
Economic Reforms: A Path to Growth
The President defended his decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems, citing the need to address economic mismanagement and promote growth. He explained that these reforms are necessary to stabilize the economy, attract foreign investment, and create jobs.
Economic Progress: Achievements and Milestones
Despite the challenges, President Tinubu highlighted several achievements, including increased government revenues, improved productivity, and infrastructure development. He noted that these progress points demonstrate the effectiveness of his administration’s economic policies.
Youth Empowerment: Investing in the Future
The President emphasized his commitment to youth empowerment, announcing initiatives such as the student loan scheme, Consumer Credit Corporation, and programs to promote digital skills and entrepreneurship. These initiatives aim to equip young Nigerians with the skills and resources needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Social Welfare: Supporting Low-Income Earners
President Tinubu announced measures to support low-income earners, including a national minimum wage increase, housing initiatives, and incentives for farmers to increase food production. These measures demonstrate his administration’s commitment to reducing poverty and inequality.
Unity and Stability: A Collective Effort
The President appealed for calm, unity, and collective effort to build a brighter future, warning against allowing violence and destruction to tear the nation apart. He emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity is strength, and that together, Nigerians can overcome any challenge.
Democratic Governance: A Commitment to Principles
Finally, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles and cautioned against unconstitutional agendas that could undermine Nigeria’s democratic journey. He emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law, protecting human rights, and promoting transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, contrary to the claims of those faulting the address, including these opposition leaders, President Tinubu’s Sunday broadcast offered a message of hope and unity, acknowledging the challenges facing Nigeria while highlighting achievements and initiatives aimed at addressing them. As the country moves forward, it is essential for Nigerians to come together, engage in constructive dialogue, and work towards building a prosperous and stable nation.
For the masterminds of the attempted chaos, they should bury their heads in shame because the protest is a total failure. Well-meaning Nigerians with a high level of integrity disregarded the sponsored protests even within my northern clans. Across the country, Nigerians shunned the protest.
After wider consultations, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Petroleum’s Tanker Drivers, and the Olumo of NURTW, Lagos chapter, contributed to discourage Nigerians by blacklisting the protest. Sadly, Nigerians are wondering why NARTO and RTEAN are have refused to show solidarity to the Tinubu administration despite benefiting immensely from the CNG. Conscience is like a cap and a bag; everybody is carrying their own. We leave them to their conscience.
I also confirmed in confidence that the northern middle class disowned the protest. After visiting most parts of the country during the sponsored protests, I must thank the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, the DG SSS, the DG NIA, the Chief of Defense staff and other Service Chiefs for ensuring peace and security.
Many thanks also go to the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for updating Nigerians on the progress made by President Tinubu. We hope other political appointees of the president will follow the footsteps of the minister by promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda by propagating the achievements of their ministries after subsidy removal.
The same applies to state governors. Most of them in the governing APC have kept mute in the face of this sham called protest. Only three governors came out boldly to tell the citizens what they have benefited from the Tinubu administration and disowned the sponsored protest widely in the media. They are Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Uba Sani of Kaduna and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa.