In the last few weeks, The Nigeria Police headed by IG Kayode Egbetokun through its Intelligence Response Team in FCT, have so engaged themselves in a dramatic display with the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero. The Police have accused the NLC leader of terrorism financing, cybercrime, criminal conspiracy, subversion and treasonable felony following the arrest of some persons at the NLC building sometime last month. All these has to do with the #EndBadGovernance protest organized and embarked upon by some Nigerian youths and activists earlier in the month of August.
The Police hold the constitutional power to investigate crime without any form of barrier. No person is above the law hence every individual is obliged to answer questions by the Police or security agencies to assist in their investigation. But, the Police today, have so much to battle within the country than wasting its precious time in a wild goose chase against Comrade Ajaero. That the Police arrested some suspects at the NLC building is not enough for the hullabaloo it has created in the last couple of weeks.
At present, Nigerians live in fear because of the incessant attacks by hoodlums. There is no nightlife in any part of the country. Kidnappers are on the prowl. Armed robbers on loose. Apart from the political heavyweights and, financial and economic giants who have been provided with enough armed Police and Military guards, the rest of the citizens have organized private securities to protect their lives and property. That is how it rolls in Nigeria.
Recently, I was in Aba with a friend for a meeting. We decided to take a stroll around the popular and busy Ariaria market. No doubt, the market is witnessing some road and building re-construction to change the old narrative. We thank Gov. Alex Otti for this well thought out initiative. For those who are familiar with Ariaria, it is a factory cum market. It swims with human heads at all corners and streets. It sees local and foreign customers in hundreds moving in and out of the market. It does not have a Sunday or night rest. It is ever-bubbling with economic activities.
But, disappointingly at mid-day on a bright Thursday, the ever busy Ariaria market looks empty. The streets of the market looks dry. The usual ‘uzo – uzo’ was not sounding. The usual horde of buyers coming from all states of the country and African countries was not seen. The motor parks that normally witnesses vehicles loading goods are stranded for lack of passengers and goods to convey. The traders in most corners and streets of the market stood in front of their shops literally begging the few passersby, window shoppers and customers for patronage. The sellers look downcast, defeated and frustrated. They engage themselves in a long chat. This is to check the economic and psychological effect of low or no sales at all. This is the terrible economic reality we are in. It is same story everywhere in Nigeria. Nigeria’s business/economy presently is dull.
Since the beginning of this administration, petroleum prices have continuously soared. Today, motorists buy fuel for as high as 1000 naira per litre. It may still go higher, we hear. This has worsened the cost of transportation and commodities in the market thereby making social and economic life of citizens unbearable. Nigeria’s economy is centred on petroleum. Once the pump price goes up, it automatically reflects negatively on the prices of commodities.
It is sad that a government with the mantra of Renewed Hope has not realized that there is trouble in the air. Nigeria’s economy is in shambles. The social fabric is weak. When one of the most popular and bubbling markets in the country is not thriving in economic activities then, certainly there is something fundamentally wrong with Nigeria’s economy. When a market of Ariaria standard, known for its clothing, shoe and cosmetics trading and manufacturing is cold and quiet, then, according to my people, nsogbu di na obodo!
That, our young ones and activists protested against the hardship in the country and, may organize for another as it is been announced. Yet, the government is not moving drastically to reduce hardship is just not the right way to Renew Hope. We have heard stories of how leaders in other climes practically reduced their excesses to buy citizens confidence and fix their country’s economy. Why must ours not do same here? Why would our government continue to fritter away our commonwealth? The Presidency was recently accused of the purchase of bulletproof tyres for N366 million in 3 days. In a country, where majority of citizens are crying for food, cannot pay their children’s school fees and, find it extremely difficult to pay for medical treatment.
Why would Mr. President be spending billions on travels that is not economically viable? What is the use of long convoys by our leaders in the midst of abject poverty? Are you not making mockery of the people? Where is the government’s part of sacrifice? So far, a whooping N2.3 billion according to reports was spent by Mr. President in months on foreign trips with nothing to show for it? Which country does that? The President and his cabinet must realize that, this unnecessary spending on foreign trips can only spell doom for the country. Nigeria’s present economic situation cannot bear the financial spending rather, it will put more strain on it. At the moment in Nigeria, the times we are in are at variance with what is on display as far as governance is concerned. The President Tinubu administration must rise up to the occasion if saving the country are their greatest challenge.
In a country where its youths are fleeing abroad to search for greener pastures. In a country with no steady power supply. Yes, in a country with all its refineries in comatose. A country that has no security for life. When substantial part of our resources are used to service politician’s ostentatious lifestyles. In a country where the political class do not make it priority number one to invest in the economy. How then can the economy grow? We thought the government with the mantra of Renewed Hope will put more energy in rescuing the economy from floundering.
The Federal Government got it wrong from inception. Yet, they can get it right if they are sincere and have faith in Nigeria. The President need to look inward and organize his team in managing the economy. The manufacturing sector should be supported to reduce high cost of commodities and loss of jobs. Mr. President needs to work extra hard and take decisive actions to remedy the poor security situation in the country. Urgently and radically attend to the oil and power sectors, this is very crucial to bring back an enabling environment. We cannot continue to experience power outage, non-availability and high cost of PMS, and expect the economy to boom.
This government must be thoughtful in its approach to repair the country from ruins. They may not have created it but, the APC government and indeed several of these politicians in power today cannot be extricated from contributing. They promised Nigerians for solution. It is now one year and three months this government came to power still, a forlorn hope is all over the landscape.
May God bless Nigeria!
Uzodinma Nwaogbe
