Nigerians Rise Against Tinubu Over Governance Failures, Hunger

Nigerians across the federation have trooped out en masse to protest against the escalating cost of living and economic hardship in the country. The protest which started three days earlier in Niger State saw Nigerians made their frustrations by carrying placards that highlighted their discontent with the state of the country. The Federal Government ahead of the #EndBadGovernance or hunger protest through security agencies, government officials, and proxies like traditional rulers, churches, and pressure groups has actively warned, advised, and arrested potential protesters and citizens alike against their participation. Statements from the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Army have cautioned against the demonstrations, highlighting the potentially grave repercussions for those involved.

In a last-minute attempt to further ease tensions, President Bola Tinubu has signed the minimum wage bill into law. Until now, the Federal Government and organized labor have been embroiled in a debate over an increment in the minimum wage to reflect the high cost of living in Nigeria. More efforts by the federal government to ease the palpable frustration among Nigerians include the distribution of food items like rice through the state governments among the needy.

Why Are Nigerians Protesting?

The primary reason for the ongoing protests in Nigeria is the soaring cost of living. David Stevenson, the World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director, has highlighted the severity of the crisis: “Malnutrition rates and food insecurity in the three North-Eastern states have reached unprecedented levels this year, reflecting a worsening situation nationwide.” 

In response to the food crisis, the Federal Government has dispatched truckloads of rice to various states. However, analysts argue that this measure is insufficient, suggesting that improving security and creating a supportive environment for farmers to return to agriculture are crucial to addressing Nigeria’s food shortages effectively. The protesters, who have pledged to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met, are also calling for a reduction in petrol prices to N100 per liter. Currently, petrol is priced above N1,000 per liter at several stations, following the ineffectual removal of the fuel subsidy by President Tinubu—who, ironically, opposed a similar subsidy removal by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.

The protesters are also seeking the closure of all IDP camps, resettlement of the campers, total electoral reform, an independent probe into the electoral budget of N355 billion for the 2023 elections, the immediate release of ENDSARS protesters who are still in detention, implementation of a minimum wage of N300,000, compulsory free education from primary to secondary school, and a ban on the children of public school holders attending school abroad, government patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods, transition to unicameral legislature, and a judicial and constitutional review. 

Critics argue that President Tinubu has failed to meet the high expectations that propelled him to power. They point to ongoing security issues in the conflict-ridden northern regions and an ailing economy, which is projected by the International Monetary Fund to fall to fourth place in Africa this year. Despite his long-held presidential ambitions, Tinubu has faced criticism for his perceived lack of preparedness for the role. His cabinet, criticized for its lack of technocrats and composed largely of career politicians, includes individuals under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Reactions To The Protest 

In major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, counter-protests have also emerged. Groups advocating against the planned protests gathered on Monday morning, with slogans like ‘Say No To protest.’ These efforts have been aimed at discouraging the upcoming demonstrations and presenting an opposing view to the public dissent. In the Federal Capital Territory, and Lagos, protesters have been reportedly attacked with teargas with an infant feared dead in the FCT as a result of the blithering effects of the tear gas. 

In Kano, protesters fought back against the thugs who were sent to disrupt the protests, while protesters in Lagos defied the court order limiting the protests to a locale.  In Kaduna, protesters have been reported killed by security operatives with hoodlums looting the National Communications Centre in the state. The protesters had earlier sent a bold message to the presidency warning that President Tinubu would be pressured to resign should lives be lost in the hands of security operatives. 

Internet services have also experienced significant disruption just as protests against poor governance and hunger began. The disruption, which started early Thursday morning, has severely limited Nigerians’ access to the internet, leading many to suspect the government’s interference.

Users, particularly those on MTN, 9mobile, and Glo networks, have reported the most severe impacts. Gabriel Owoade, a protester at Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos, shared with FIJ that he has been unable to post content from the protest on social media.

“I’m on MTN, and the network has been unreliable since about 4 am. I can’t upload any of the pictures I’ve taken,” a protester, Owoade said. “I suspect this is deliberate”