By Cynthia Eruotor
When Nigerians’ suffering amidst abundant natural resources become unbearable in the country, there was need for the people to let their mind known to the Government through peaceful protest. And so, peaceful protest was scheduled to take place on the 1st of August to 10th of the month. As the news filtered into the air, many concerned Nigerians, based on past experiences that it may be hijacked by hoodlums thereby lead to, not only the destruction of both private and public property but the looting of property and loss of lives due to the law enforcement agencies’ intervention, they pleaded that it should be shelved. On this basis, those in this school of shelving the protest went to both electronics, print and social media to make their pleas known.
The organizers and the protesters made their stand known that protest would be peaceful and devoid of ranchor and so, went ahead as scheduled: 1st August to 10th, 2024. With the forth day into the protest, the President, Bola Tinubu, having seen the way the protest was going, has no choice but to address the nation. He started by sympathizing with Nigerians especially those affected as regards the pains and suffering the protest has brought to Nigerians in many states. He also appreciated the protesters that they desired the good of the country hence they embarked on the protest.
Part of the address reads:”.. with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states. . Notably among the protesters were young Nigerians who desired a better and more progressive country where their dreams, hopes, and personal aspirations would be fulfilled. I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and other states, the destruction of public facilities in some states, and the wanton looting of supermarkets and shops, I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction.
With the introductory statement, many Nigerians who were listening to the address thought that the problems which necessitated the protest would be addressed. Alas! They were surprised that what followed was the President’s railing out the progress he has made over one year in his administration
Part of his speech reads: “I therefore took the painful yet necessary decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems which had constituted a noose around the economic jugular of our Nation and impeded our economic development and progress. …”In the past 14 months, our government has made significant strides in rebuilding the foundation of our economy to carry us into a future of plenty and abundance. On the fiscal side, aggregate government revenues have more than doubled, hitting over 9.1 trillion Naira in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023 due to our efforts at blocking leakages, introducing automation and mobilizing funding creatively without additional burden on the people. Productivity is gradually increasing in the non-oil sector, reaching new levels and taking advantage of the opportunities in the current economic ambience…”I hope in the past, we are in a new era of Renewed Hope. We are working hard for you, and the results will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy.
“ Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us choose hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation. The economy is recovering; Please, don’t shut out its oxygen. Now that we have been enjoying democratic governance for 25 years, do not let the enemies of democracy use you to promote an unconstitutional agenda that will set us back on our democratic journey FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER!
“In conclusion, security operatives should continue to maintain peace, law, and order in our country following the necessary conventions on human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. The safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount.
With the above statements, many Nigerians, especially those who protested and protesting for things to change for the better begin to doubt if at the end of the day, the protest would yield the desired results. It was this that led Bailout Magazine to seek the opinions of Nigerians over this address.
Commenting on the development, the Director General, Concerned Delta Youths ,Activist Kelvin Ejemudo said the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu did not address the challenges of Nigeria in his address to the Nation. According to him, he was expecting the President to have said among other things, he would ensure that the Warri and Kaduna refineries would work from now till December and then, revert the prices of fuel to probably #300 per litre. His words:” What we expected the President to have said is that: ‘I have heard your cry, l would revamp Warri and Kaduna refineries to enable them work from now till December’. Instead he was discussing the achievements of his administration”.
He however said, the area which President made impact is the scolding of those who want Igbo people to leave Lagos. While Activist Ejemudo commended the protesters for their peaceful disposition in Warri and its environs while the protest lasted, he said concerned Nigerians have to adopt a different dimension to drive home their demands and that through court process. He said:” l think, we have to change our tactics to achieve our demands that would be using the court..”
On the part of the General Overseer of Goshen Freedom Tabernacle in Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area, Prophet Austin Ariole JP, President Bola Tinubu did not go by his electioneering campaigns of his Renewed Hope Mantra. According to him, Bola Tinubu’s administration started to suffer Nigerians right from the day he took over the mantle of leadership of the country. Prophet Austin was reported to have said this during the Thanksgiving service to mark his birthday anniversary. He however advised Nigerians to thank God for everything. According the Cleric ,Nigeria is bad, the Renewed Hope Mantra of President Bola Tinubu is deception. Instead of acting to his agenda, he ended up in tormenting Nigerians in many ways.. He said the only way out of the economic hardship and hunger is for citizens to thank God Almighty.
Others who aired their views on the #Endbadgovrnance protest which the President supposed to have addressed, expressed worry if the country would have its head- way in the scheme of growth and development vis-a vis in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians.