Nigerians, both old and young, have taken to the streets for a 10-day protest tagged #EndBadGovernance. This movement, which began in the early hours of August 1, 2024, aims to last until August 10th. Unlike anything the Nigerian government has faced, these protests have been met with unprecedented violence from the police, resulting in at least 13 deaths so far.
The root causes of these protests are multifaceted. In northern Nigerian states, hunger and insecurity plague farming communities. Farmers in the Middle Belt region, often victims of kidnappings and attacks by bandits and armed herdsmen, have been forced to abandon their farms, worsening the food crisis.
Further exacerbating the situation, President Bola Tinubu’s administration made bold economic moves that spiraled into greater hardship for Nigerians. His declaration of the end of fuel subsidies led to a 300% rise in fuel prices. However, a Reuters report later revealed that Nigeria would spend 5.4 trillion Naira ($3.7 billion) on fuel subsidies in 2024, contradicting earlier claims. This inconsistency, alongside a 6.6 trillion Naira increase in borrowing, raised serious concerns about fiscal management.
Tinubu’s monetary policies, implemented through a new Central Bank governor, have further devalued the Naira to an all-time low of 1,600 Naira to the US dollar. This devaluation increased import costs, causing businesses to close and unemployment to rise. With a 40% rise in food inflation, many Nigerians now face severe economic hardship.
Public frustration reached a boiling point when reports emerged of politicians indulging in lavish spending amidst widespread poverty. This discontent led to the #EndBadGovernance protests, which the government attempted to undermine through various means, including distributing rice, rushing a new minimum wage bill, and leveraging influential figures to dissuade the public from protesting.
Despite these efforts, Nigerians remained resolute. The government resorted to more desperate measures, such as deploying thugs to disrupt protests and using traditional leaders to threaten potential demonstrators. In a bizarre twist, the government even paid some individuals to protest against the protests, arguing that protests could lead to violence.
The protests continued to gain momentum. On the first day, around 16 people were reported dead due to police brutality. Government-sponsored thugs were seen disrupting protests at the National Stadium in Abuja. Similar violence was witnessed in other regions, including Lagos, where attempts to bribe journalists for favorable coverage were reported.
Day two of the protests saw no significant difference, with large crowds continuing to demonstrate despite the violent response from security forces. The police’s reckless actions resulted in further casualties, including their own officers.
Throughout this turmoil, President Tinubu has remained silent. The protesters’ demands are simple: better governance from their elected leaders. Instead of addressing these grievances, the government has deployed security forces as though it were at war with its own people.
The #EndBadGovernance protests are ongoing, and their outcomes remain uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Nigerians are tired of enduring suffering and demand accountability and change from their leaders.
Don’t miss any articles! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & LinkedIn
The post #EndBadGovernance Protests in Nigeria, Explained appeared first on SHOPPE BLACK.
