Amid rising cost of living, economic hardship, and the continuous waste and looting of public funds by politicians, a groundswell of discontent is brewing among Nigerians. Calls for protests are intensifying as the populace grows weary of the economic challenges and the perceived impunity of their leaders. With politicians allegedly looting billions, and anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failing to prosecute those responsible, many are beginning to see protests as a potential path to change.
The situation has reached a boiling point. Numerous Nigerians are voicing the opinion that the country's elections cannot be deemed credible, and that a protest or even a total revolution might be the only way out of the current malaise. This sentiment is not unfounded; historical and current events around the world demonstrate how mass protests can lead to significant political and social changes.
The clamor for a nationwide protest against President Tinubu's administration is growing louder. High food prices, soaring transportation costs, increased fuel prices, a skyrocketing foreign exchange rate that hampers businesses' ability to purchase raw materials, non-existent electricity, rampant insecurity, and the unabated looting and corruption within various government sectors have pushed many Nigerians to the brink. The Ministries, States, National Assembly, Presidency, and embarrassingly, the Judiciary are all perceived as hotbeds of corruption.
The allegations against the judiciary are particularly damning. Reports indicate that the Nigerian judiciary tops the 2023 bribe receipt list, with over N700 billion allegedly exchanged. This compromised judiciary, forced to accept undemocratic leadership against the wishes of the people, has further exacerbated the nation’s woes. The judiciary’s failure to prosecute those responsible for the previous military crackdown on protesters, which resulted in over 100 deaths, highlights the dire state of justice in the country.
During the last protest, the military went beyond its powers by opening fire on civilians at the behest of the government. Over 100 people are reported dead, and many more injured. Still, the corrupt Nigerian judiciary failed to deliver justice to the families of the bereaved or hold accountable those responsible for the killings.
Since the transition of power from PDP to APC, there has been overt abuse of the constitution, and the corrupt judiciary has looked the other way. The recent carpet-crossing of 25 Rivers lawmakers to APC after taking the oath of office contravenes the constitution, yet the courts have turned a blind eye, ruling on technicalities.
A pertinent question arises: Would protesting be wrong? Especially when considering that President Tinubu himself once protested against former President Goodluck Jonathan, a period during which the country was arguably better off in many respects.
The current climate suggests that Nigerians are at a critical juncture. The youth, who make up a significant portion of the population, are particularly vocal about their dissatisfaction. Social media is abuzz with discussions on the necessity of a protest to demand accountability and change.
As the calls for protest grow louder, the government’s response will be crucial. Will it address the legitimate grievances of its citizens, or will it attempt to suppress the dissent? The coming days will be telling.
If Nigerians are to protest again, they must do so knowing they are taking the country into their hands and sacrificing their lives for it. Already dying of hunger and starvation, the country will eventually kill them, but they must ask if they want to die by hunger or by revolution.
The corrupt Nigerian judiciary does not care about the people. There should be no turning back. Many admonish that a protest should begin against the judiciary, holding them accountable by whatever means necessary. The masses' anger needs to be felt. Then, the protest should aim at removing the entire members of the present administration and calling for new elections, rather than just focusing on removing the President, which would leave the country with a Vice President who, in a functional system, would never near a position of national leadership.
0 Comments