Hassan Umar Farouk
Silence is very dangerous, especially when your words can be the only source of healing at a moment -Israelmore Ayivor, Ghanian writer.
On August 1, 2024, thousands of Nigerians took to the streets across major cities and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), protesting against economic hardship and hunger. The demonstrations, which were marked by unfortunate incidents of violence and destruction in States such as Kano, Niger, Kaduna, and Jigawa, have highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the governments policies.
The protests were organized in response to a range of grievances, including the high cost of electricity, fuel, and food, demands for free education, good governance, Constitutional reforms, and an increase in the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. Despite warnings and a notice of these demands, President Bola Tinubu and his administration faced criticism for what many saw as a lack of adequate response.
However, to say that President Tinubu and his team were not disturbed by the protest threat would be playing to the gallery about the seriousness of the entire challenge.
One of the earliest steps taken by the President amid the planned protest was his series of engagements and dialogues with critical stakeholders at the Presidential Villa, including State Governors, the leadership of the National Assembly, traditional rulers as well as religious leaders from around the country.
In the days leading up to the protests, President Tinubu and his team engaged in various outreach efforts, including meetings with state governors, National Assembly leaders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders. Members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) were deployed to hold town hall meetings to explain the Government’s efforts and policies.
Additionally, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, held press conferences to communicate the administration’s actions. However, these efforts were not enough to quell public unrest, as the protests went ahead.
On August 4, President Tinubu addressed the nation, expressing his understanding of the frustrations driving the protests and offering assurances of the government’s commitment to addressing citizens’ concerns. In a televised broadcast, he stated, “I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.”
The President expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and property during the protests, condemning the violence and urging respect for the rule of law.
According to the President, the destruction of public facilities, and the wanton looting of private businesses, which is contrary to earlier promises by the protest organisers – the Take It Back Movement (TIB) and other civil society groups that their demonstrations would be peaceful across the country.
He emphasized that “there is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build”. He also called for an end to the violence, attributing some of the unrest to long-standing economic challenges that required bold and difficult decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the abolition of multiple foreign exchange systems.
Tinubu also defended his administration’s actions, highlighting efforts to improve the country’s infrastructure, provide housing, and increase the national minimum wage. He noted that the Government’s revenue had more than doubled, with a significant portion allocated to debt servicing.
As the situation develops, the Government has stressed the importance of maintaining law and order, with security agencies tasked with protecting lives and property. The President urged these agencies to act responsibly and avoid any abuse of power.
While the Government awaits the possibility of dialogue, the continuation of protests remains a concern. President Tinubu concluded his address with a plea for unity and cooperation, stating: “We must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity”.
The President’s message leaves the door open for protesters to consider dialogue and give the administration a second chance to address their grievances.
Now that the President has spoken, it remains an issue of whether Nigerians who have been on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security, and welfare would listen and respect the voice of wisdom and the plea from the leader of the nation.
The coming days will reveal whether this appeal for peace and understanding will be heeded by those on the streets.
Hassan Farouk contributed this piece from Abuja.
