National
Of Hunger, protests and delusional followers
In the coming days, Nigerians are poised to take to the streets in a series of public demonstrations that reflect deep-seated discontent with the nation’s governance. These protests are not merely reactions to recent events but are the culmination of prolonged frustration with a leadership that has persistently failed to meet the needs of its citizens.
Unlike some of his peers, one observer stands in support of this large-scale protest, provided it remains peaceful and orderly. This movement advocates for leadership that is patriotic, visionary, and compassionate—one that listens, comprehends, and acts in the best interests of its citizens, prioritizing their welfare above all else.
Since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Nigerians have faced significant hardships. The array of policies and programs implemented by the Tinubu administration has, arguably, exacerbated the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s approach—ending the subsidy regime and allowing the naira to float—was intended to rejuvenate the fragile economy but appears misguided. These policies, reminiscent of draconian measures, have made basic necessities increasingly unaffordable. The removal of fuel subsidies has led to soaring prices for transportation and goods, while the devaluation of the naira has increased the cost of everyday transactions, straining the already limited financial resources of the average Nigerian.
In response to these harsh realities, Nigerians are organizing a nationwide protest set to occur from August 1 to 10, 2024. This protest is more than an outcry; it is a desperate plea for change.
The populace is unequivocally stating, “Enough is enough!” They demand the reversal of these debilitating policies and a shift towards more inclusive and supportive governance. Despite concerns that the demonstrations might devolve into violence, reminiscent of the 2020 EndSARS protests, these fears will not deter Nigerians from expressing their dissent against the ruling elite’s perceived tyranny.
The EndSARS movement serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when peaceful protests are met with brutality, yet it also underscores the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people. It is imperative that the federal government and security agencies ensure the safety of the protesters rather than resort to threats or arrests.
The government must protect the rights of its citizens, including the right to peaceful assembly. Any attempt to suppress these protests through force would likely intensify discontent and escalate the situation.
Furthermore, addressing the root causes of these protests is crucial. The government must heed the grievances of its citizens and take immediate steps to alleviate their suffering. This includes reconsidering and potentially reversing harmful economic policies, implementing measures to reduce the cost of living, and ensuring that essential services are accessible and affordable.
Ultimately, addressing the protesters’ concerns and demands will be far more effective in restoring peace and stability than using force against innocent citizens striving for a better Nigeria. The government must recognize that these protests are a cry for help, a call for justice, and an opportunity to rebuild trust with its people.
Only through genuine dialogue, understanding, and responsive action can the government hope to resolve the underlying issues and foster a more harmonious and prosperous Nigeria.
*Short-Term Remedies to Agitations and Protests*
1. Immediate implementation of the national minimum wage and payment of arrears.
2. Reduced costs and a price control mechanism to curb speculative rises in food and household commodities.
3. Revisit the pump price for petroleum products while introducing alternative sources of energy.
4. Public engagement through strategic communication that holistically addresses all stakeholders’ concerns.
5. Reconfigure the federal cabinet to create a sense of belonging among all Nigerians.
National protests, such as the impending demonstrations in Nigeria, serve as a critical means for citizens to express their grievances and demand accountability from their government. These protests, while necessary for democratic expression, come with significant consequences that need careful consideration and management.
The initiative of Nigeria’s security agencies in addressing the agitation with a non-kinetic approach is commendable. The Department of State Security’s engagement through public advocacy demonstrates a constructive and proactive response to public discontent. Such measures help in de-escalating tensions and fostering a dialogue between the government and the citizens.
The Nigeria Police’s alignment with these efforts, alongside the Nigerian Customs’ decision to suspend tariffs and duties on household commodities, marks a positive step towards alleviating the immediate economic pressures faced by Nigerians. This suspension can provide much-needed relief to households struggling with the high cost of living, demonstrating the government’s responsiveness to the needs of its people.
These actions reflect an understanding that forceful suppression of protests often leads to further unrest and violence. Instead, by adopting a strategy that prioritizes communication and economic relief, the government and its agencies are laying the groundwork for a more peaceful and constructive resolution to the issues at hand.
However, these measures must be part of a broader, sustained effort to address the root causes of the protests. Short-term remedies, while necessary, must be complemented by long-term solutions that tackle the systemic issues contributing to public dissatisfaction. This includes comprehensive economic reforms, increased transparency, and inclusive governance that ensures all citizens feel represented and valued.
The Zamfara State Lawyer Forum has endorsed the Nigerian House of Representatives’ decision to summon Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and leaders of the state’s House of Assembly, amid a deepening crisis within the legislature and escalating insecurity across the northwestern state.
The forum, a prominent legal advocacy group, described the summons as a constitutionally valid exercise of legislative oversight, citing Sections 88 and 89 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which empower the National Assembly to investigate matters of public interest and summon relevant officials.
Barrister Aisha Muhammed, the forum’s chairperson, said in a statement on Sunday that the House’s action was “legally valid, constitutionally supported, and deeply necessary” to uphold democratic governance and the rule of law.
She argued that Governor Lawal and state assembly leaders must answer questions regarding the suspension of seven elected assembly members and the controversial declaration of a lawmaker’s seat vacant—actions she said raised “grave constitutional questions” and potentially breached democratic norms.
“Governors and assembly leaders must not invoke immunity as a shield against legitimate oversight,” Muhammed said, referencing Section 308 of the Constitution, which grants immunity from judicial processes but does not exempt officials from non-coercive legislative inquiries.
“Accountability is the lifeblood of constitutional democracy. No public office holder, no matter how highly placed, is above the people’s right to transparency.”
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions issued the summons on Friday, directing Governor Lawal, his Benue counterpart Hyacinth Alia, and their respective state assembly leaders to appear before it on 8 May.
The move follows a petition by the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, a civil rights group, highlighting worsening insecurity and legislative dysfunction in both states.
Zamfara has been plagued by rampant banditry, with recent attacks claiming dozens of lives, including six community protection guards and four vigilantes in Anka Local Government Area on 22 March, and 20 gold miners in Maru Local Government Area on 24 April.
The state’s legislative crisis, marked by factionalism and alleged executive interference, has further compounded governance challenges.
Muhammed criticised Governor Lawal’s apparent acquiescence to the assembly’s controversial actions, calling for “legal and moral scrutiny”.
She stressed that the National Assembly’s intervention was not only lawful but obligatory to preserve constitutional order and address public grievances.
“The key question is not whether the Governor or the Speaker can be summoned, but [what] they have [to say in response to] questions to answer,” she said.
Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), has stated that he conducted his service with a deep sense of reverence for God.
Following a significant reshuffle within the oil corporation, various reports have emerged concerning Kyari’s tenure.
One such report revealed that N80 billion was discovered in the account of a recently dismissed Managing Director of one of the refineries who was under Kyari’s leadership.
Bayo Ojulari, Kyari’s successor, has initiated a major restructuring that has resulted in the departure of numerous individuals who served alongside him.
Additionally, there have been allegations of corruption during Kyari’s administration.
In response to rumors suggesting that he was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kyari indicated that he had received numerous calls from concerned friends and family regarding the unfounded claims.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving Nigeria with integrity and expressed his readiness to account for his actions.
“In recent days, particularly in the last couple of hours, I have been overwhelmed with calls from worried family and friends regarding an online newspaper’s assertion that I am in EFCC custody,” Kyari stated.
“This is a blatant act of mischief and a deliberate attempt by the publication and its backers to achieve an undisclosed aim.
“Currently, I am enjoying a well-deserved break following the dissolution of the NNPCL management and board, where I held the position of Group Chief Executive.
“It is important to note that after dedicating 34 years to NNPC and subsequently NNPCL—17 of which were in management positions, including the last five years and nine months—I rarely had time for even a two-week vacation.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve under the leadership of Their Excellencies, Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I must stress that I served with the fear of God, fully aware that, as a Muslim, I will eventually account for my actions before Allah, should I fail to do so before man. Thus, I welcome the chance to explain my stewardship in this world.”
Kyari cautioned that misleading narratives about his tenure could negatively impact investor confidence and the perception of the international community.
“In this context, I urge the media to exercise caution and refrain from being rushed into disseminating unverified information or issues that require further investigation by the appropriate authorities.”
“I sincerely appreciate my family and friends who have reached out to me or attempted to do so, and I assure them that I am open to addressing all legitimate inquiries,” he concluded.
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Coordinator of the Conference of Patriotic Nigerians (COPAN), Barrister Uchenna Odieli, has issued a stern warning to the factional President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, urging him not to allow politicians to manipulate him into targeting Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement sent to Elanza News on Friday night, Odieli, who described himself as a stakeholder in NANS, accused certain individuals of exploiting Isah to tarnish Seyi Tinubu’s reputation for political gain.
“If you contest an election and lose, you should go and rest. You must not be a NANS president,” Odieli said, questioning why Isah was allowing himself to be used to attack “an innocent man” simply because he is the president’s son.
Odieli defended Seyi Tinubu, describing him as a humble, well-mannered lawyer who has been unfairly vilified.
“I know Barr. Seyi Tinubu very well, not through tabloids or whispers, but through shared moments, quiet gestures, and the kind of humanity that doesn’t make the news,” he said.
“He is not perfect; none of us is. He is not a violent man, nor the monster being painted by those too eager to condemn.”
The COPAN coordinator expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of targeting Seyi Tinubu to gain public attention.
“What baffles me is that most of these charlatans do not know Seyi in person. They only see him from afar and have not had the opportunity to meet him one-on-one, but I know their game. Once one wants to be popular, the only gateway is to attack Seyi Tinubu,” Odieli stated.
He called for restraint and urged the public to avoid “mob justice” in judging Seyi Tinubu.
“Justice must be blind, yes, but not deaf to truth or mercy. Let the facts come forth, let the law take its course, but let us not forget that the son of the president is still a son, a brother, and a human being,” Odieli said, appealing for a fair and measured approach.
Odieli further praised Seyi Tinubu’s character, describing him as a “soft-spoken gentleman” trained in the Western world, who strives to maintain dignity despite the pressures of his family name.
“Seyi is a very kind man, well-behaved, well-trained. Violence is not his way, so you should stop pouring your frustration on Seyi,” he added.