Must Nigerians Protest To Experience Better Leadership? -By Isaac Asabor

At the moment, Nigeria is witnessing a surge in protests, with citizens taking to the streets to voice their grievances. These protests highlight issues such as bad governance, rising living costs, and the effects of soaring inflation. But does protest serve as a catalyst for better leadership?

In as much as the foregoing question is difficult to answer, it is germane to opine that thousands of angry Nigerians on August 1, 2024 marched in cities like Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and in most capital cities across the country, bearing banners that expressed frustration with hunger, bad governance, and economic challenges. These demonstrations reflect citizens’ outrage over a system plagued by corruption, graft, and dysfunction. The protests are a response to the current state of affairs, including high inflation rates and government spending.

Against the foregoing backdrop, there is no denying the fact that President Bola Tinubu faces mounting pressure, particularly as his tenure has seen rapid policy changes, including the removal of fuel subsidies and significant foreign exchange reforms. Unfortunately, these decisions have led to higher prices for food and transportation, exacerbating the plight of ordinary Nigerians, particularly as inflation has skyrocketed to 34%.

Be that as it may, it is germane in this context to opine that protests serve as a civic and constitutional right, allowing citizens to demand better governance. However, they can disrupt government activities, especially during delicate times. In fact, the recent protests compelled President Tinubu to meet with traditional and religious leaders, but the underlying issues persist.

Without a doubt, while protests can be a powerful tool for change, they should ideally complement other avenues for holding leaders accountable. Nigerians must continue to demand good governance, but leaders should also proactively address citizens’ needs. Only then can the cycle of protest and reform lead to lasting improvements.

In fact, at this juncture, it is expedient to opine that in response to the ongoing hunger protests that President Bola Tinubu has taken several measures to address the economic crisis in Nigeria. Some notable actions taken by the president include the suspension of import duties on essential food items to mitigate the effects of inflation and rising prices on Nigerians. As gathered, this move aims to cushion the impact of economic challenges.

Also, Tinubu’s administration has activated the student loan program, consumer credit scheme, and affirmed fiscal autonomy for local government councils, bringing the government closer to the people.

In a similar vein, not a few governors across the 36 States of the federation have been reported to be offering all kinds of “Juicy offers” to the protesting youths, pleading that they should be patient as they are poised to engender good governance.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to recall that Governor SiminalayiFubara in an attempt to calm the nerves of angry protesters that he faced intense backlash at the Port Harcourt Government House on Thursday following his offering of pure water money to them. This is as his offer of money for pure water and a plea for the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstrators to return home fueled their anger.

While these actions are steps in the right direction, the situation remains complex just as Nigerians continue to express frustration over economic hardship, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to alleviate suffering and address systemic issues.

But the question, must Nigerians protest to experience better leadership remains nagging, and unanswered. In as much as protest is an invaluable way to speak truth to power throughout history, and that it has been the driving force behind some of the most powerful social movements, exposing injustice and abuse, demanding accountability and inspiring people to keep hoping for a better future, should those in governments always fold their hands until people embark on protest?

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not out of place to opine that had the government been following certain steps to ensure good governance that the ongoing protests across the country could not have been carried out by angry citizens.

At this juncture, it is expedient to delve into some key steps that could have prevented the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests been demonstrated across the country.

For instance, it may not be wrong to allege that most political leaders holding various political offices in the ongoing President Tinubu’s led administration are not leveraging inclusive decision-making, despite having the potential to enhance good governance. This is despite the fact that when people feel heard and included, they are less likely to resort to protests.

A similar allegation in this context is that the ongoing government is not transparent despite the fact that transparency builds trust. In fact, if Tinubu’s led government has been open about its actions, budgets, and policies, the ongoing protests would not have occurred and been ongoing as there is no denying the fact that when citizens perceive transparency and accountability, they are less likely to take to the streets.

In a similar vein, there is no denying the fact that the government seemingly lacks a strong legal framework to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally. The situation, no doubt, is by each passing day becoming deep-rooted despite the fact that upholding the rule of law prevents arbitrary actions by authorities and fosters confidence in the system. In fact when people believe in the justice system, they are less likely to protest.

To buttress the foregoing view, it is expedient to make reference to Amnesty International’s assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in November 2023 during the launch of a human rights agenda for the government following a period in which Tinubu unveiled new government policies that were adjudged not to be addressing rampant human rights violations across the country. In its assessment, the human rights organization said, Tinubu’s led administration, then in its 6-month, has failed to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Another step which the government has seemingly failed to take since May 29, 2023, and which might have contributed to the ongoing protests is that of the government’s refusal or negligence in providing social Services and economic opportunities for the people.

The foregoing viewpoint is as access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities are collectively becoming will-o-the-wisp, and in the same vein fuelling the flame of frustration and inequality among the people. Not only that, government’s seeming non-prioritization of social services and creation of an enabling environment for economic growth, which are unarguably obvious enough to see are enough to push people to the street to protest.

Again, it is crystal clear that the present crème of political leaders seem not to be fighting corruption which is no doubt eroding trust in institutions. The foregoing can be buttressed as robust anti-corruption measures, transparent procurement processes, whistleblower protection, and strict enforcement of laws that are required to engender effective governance are unarguably absent in the ongoing Tinubu’s led administration.  The foregoing view, no doubt, is contrary to the fact that when corruption is minimized, citizens are less likely to protest against a system they perceive as unfair.

Given the foregoing viewpoints, it is expedient to suggest that leaders must from henceforth listen to their constituents and adapt policies based on feedback, and engage in regular dialogue with civil society organizations, community leaders, and citizens as the steps helps identify emerging issues and prevents discontent from escalating into protests.

At this conclusive juncture, it is expedient to ask, “Must Nigerians protest to experience better leadership?”