For weeks now, the #EndBadGovernanceProtest, appears to be priority for many Nigerians.
Indeed, Nigerians have endured a hardship like never before.
This hardship, spiced with hunger, and high level of insecurity has pushed Nigerians over the edge.
This hardship dates back to over a year ago.
To many, that proclamation “fuel subsidy is gone” by President Tinubu during his inauguration, is what has left the country in this pitiable state.
Months ago, talks of a nationwide protest against the Tinubu government had emerged softly, however, the president appealed to Nigerians.
“Endure this baby sacrifices, it will not last long”, the president told Nigerians.
This appeal got to Nigerians and it softened their hearts.
However, months later, things got worse.
Nigerians became more hungry than ever before.
To make matters worse, prices of food became unfriendly, making it difficult for many to even feed.
This hunger became frustration, and in no time, the frustration grew into anger.
Now, Nigerians have resolved that the #EndBadGovernanceProtest is the only solution.
Despite numerous appeal from the government, many Nigerians insist on the #EndBadGovernanceProtest.
President Bola Tinubu has also taken some proactive steps to stop the scheduled 10-day hunger protest organised by some Nigerians.
The protest is slated for August 1 to 10.
Via the #EndBadGovernanceProtest some Nigerians are demanding an end to bad governance and economic hardship in the country.
However, there has been fear that the protest may be hijacked by thugs, especially as some states, unions and youths loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have pulled out of the protest.
Similarly, the former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has warned organisers of the protest to desist from coming to Niger Delta.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states to ensure the protest remains peaceful.
Furthermore, President Tinubu has urged aggrieved Nigerians to shelve protests.
The President has taken various steps in the last one week to ensure that the demonstrations do not hold.
50kg Rice For ₦40,000
The Federal Government created centres across the country where Nigerians can purchase a bag of rice for ₦40,000 to ease living conditions for citizens.
₦50,000 Stipends
Tinubu on Tuesday approved a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 for youths in the Niger Delta to alleviate current economic hardships.
The Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this at the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for ethnic nationalities, youths, and women in Port Harcourt.
Suspension Of Import Duties
President Tinubu suspended import duties on food importation on Monday to cushion the effect of the inflationary trend in Nigeria.
#Fuel
Tinubu directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to sell crude to the Dangote refinery and other upcoming refineries in naira.
Did You Miss? #EndBadGovernanceProtest: How Nigerians Are Preparing For August 1
According to some experts, oil marketers and refiners, Tinubu’s approval for the sale of crude oil to the Dangote Petroleum refinery in naira will force the prices of domestically refined petroleum products to crash.
Governors Meeting
Tinubu also met with governors from the All Progressives Congress, under the aegis of the Progressives Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to discuss the growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship.
Traditional Rulers
The President held emergency meetings with prominent traditional rulers and Ulamas (Islamic religious scholars) at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, as part of efforts by the government to ensure the planned hunger protest, slated for August 1 to 10, is averted nationwide.
The #EndBadGovernanceProtest has left the President Bola Tinubu-led government in panic.
This echoes the power of the people, especially in a democratic society like Nigeria.
