NIGERIA ON THE BRINK: A CRY FOR JUSTICE AND REFORM.

NIGERIA ON THE BRINK: A CRY FOR JUSTICE AND REFORM.

Aare Amerijoye, DOT.B.

In the annals of Nigeria’s tumultuous political landscape, the current administration under Bola Ahmed Tinubu has etched a narrative of unprecedented hardship, societal fragmentation, and systemic corruption. Instead of addressing the myriad issues plaguing our nation, the government focuses on identifying and silencing dissent.

This approach not only betrays a profound misunderstanding of the roots of societal unrest but also underscores a failure to appreciate the timeless wisdom of our forebears. “Protest dey come” is more than a warning; it is an inevitable response to a governance model that has turned a blind eye to the sufferings of its people. Instead of heeding this call and working to alleviate the excruciating pains, the administration seeks to scapegoat and threaten. Let us remind those in power of Cicero’s timeless words, “The welfare of the people is the ultimate law.” Yet, this principle seems to have been discarded in the corridors of power.

To the authorities frantically searching for the “sponsors” of the impending protests, let us illuminate the real culprits: hunger, inflation, fuel pump price, minimum wage, power or no light, bad roads, budget padding, INEC rigging of elections, highest cost of governance, highest bidder appointments, excessive borrowings for looting, crude oil theft, non-functional refineries, excess electricity tariff, excessive bank charges, resource control, the 1999 constitution, no restructuring.

The problem of consumption instead of production, arable farmland without subsidised mechanised farming equipment, breakdown of law and order, injustice at the courts, failed civil service system, non-functional educational system, Japa syndrome, corruption, unaccountability of public office holders, poor road networks, worst housing program, non-real estate funding, interest rates for entrepreneurs, devastating economic policies, looting and plutocracy, growing division amongst ethnic groups, naira devaluation, poverty, non-support for local manufacturers and local content, highest import duties ever, underfunded army and police, and salaries and pension delays.

These issues collectively paint a grim picture of a nation in distress. Hunger and inflation exacerbate the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians, leading to an increase in poverty levels. The exorbitant fuel pump price cripples economic activities, while inadequate minimum wages fail to meet basic living standards. Persistent electricity outages hinder progress, and bad roads worsen transportation woes. Corruption embedded in budget padding and the manipulation of elections undermines democracy, while the high cost of governance and patronage appointments drain national resources.

Excessive borrowings, crude oil theft, and non-functional refineries highlight the mismanagement of the nation’s wealth. Additionally, excessive electricity tariffs and bank charges exploit the populace, and the inequitable distribution of resources deepens societal divides. The resistance to decentralising power and focus on production over consumption stifles economic growth, and the neglect of agriculture leaves arable farmland underutilised.

The breakdown of law and order, injustice at the courts, and a compromised civil service system breed a sense of hopelessness and disillusionment. A non-functional educational system and the mass exodus of our best brains, known as Japa syndrome, threaten the future of the nation. Corruption, unaccountability of public officeholders, poor road networks, and inadequate housing policies further exacerbate the plight of Nigerians.

Entrepreneurs face stifling interest rates, and devastating economic policies that harm rather than heal the economy. Looting and a government focused more on theft than governance amplify the suffering. The growing division amongst ethnic groups, naira devaluation, and poverty erodes the social fabric, while non-support for local manufacturers and the highest import duties ever stifle local industries. An underfunded army and police, along with delays in salaries and pensions, leave security forces and public servants demoralized.

In these turbulent times, it is essential to recall the wisdom of our great leaders and thinkers. Obafemi Awolowo once said, “The glory of the world is transitory and does not belong to those who are fortunate enough to enjoy it, but to those who succeed in raising the spirits of others.” The current administration would do well to heed this advice, focusing on uplifting the Nigerian people rather than indulging in ephemeral power plays. Aristotle, in his reflections on governance, emphasized, “He who is to be a good ruler must have first been ruled.” The administration’s apparent disconnection from the everyday struggles of Nigerians reveals a critical lack of this foundational experience.

Similarly, Nnamdi Azikiwe’s vision for Nigeria was one of unity and progress. “We should disintegrate in peace and not in pieces,” he cautioned, highlighting the perils of a divided nation. Today, we see those very perils materializing as the government sows division instead of fostering unity. Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, advocated for governance that is fair and just. “The greatest weapon is not a gun but justice. It is justice in law and fairness in its execution,” he proclaimed. The Nigerian government’s current trajectory, marked by injustice and inequality, starkly contrasts with Bello’s ideals.

The philosophical reflections of Cicero and Aristotle resonate deeply with Newton’s third law: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” The administration’s oppressive policies and disregard for justice naturally provoke resistance and unrest. The protests are not mere dissent; they are the reaction to years of compounded grievances and unaddressed suffering. The Nigerian government, in its myopic view, demands that the poor bear the brunt of its failures while the ruling class revels in opulence and extravagance.

This stark contrast between the suffering masses and the ruling elite’s lavish lifestyle is a mockery of the principles of governance and equity. The so-called palliatives offered are nothing more than a slap in the face of those enduring the harsh realities of life under a regime that has failed to address their basic needs. These palliatives, often poorly conceived and executed, do little to alleviate the genuine suffering of the people and instead highlight the disconnect between the government’s priorities and the people’s needs.

We, the people of Nigeria, are not clamouring for power but for justice, equity, and a government that genuinely serves its people. The litany of issues outlined above underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform. Address these systemic problems, and the spectre of protest will dissipate, replaced by a populace that feels heard, valued, and hopeful for the future.

The path to peace and progress lies in recognising and addressing these fundamental issues, not in suppressing the voices that bring them to light. As we stand on the brink of potential upheaval, let this article serve as a clarion call to our leaders: the time for change is now, and it begins with acknowledging and rectifying the wrongs that have long plagued our beloved nation. In the words of Ahmadu Bello, “Work and worship are the same thing. Do your work. Don’t leave the work of today for tomorrow.” Let us heed these wise words and commence the work of building a Nigeria where justice, prosperity, and unity prevail.