Nigerians, especially pro-democracy and civil rights campaigners are highly disenchanted at the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is because of his administration’s undemocratic approach he is using against his critics. President Tinubu, who is known to be a democrat, a strong and committed member of NADECO, a group known to have championed the struggle for the revalidation of June 12, 1993 election won by late Bashorun MKO Abiola.
President Tinubu have severally in the past spoken in support and demanded for democratic rights of Nigerians. He was in the vanguard and, sponsored several protests against government’s wrong economic policies and draconic rules.
At a point, he had to flee the country for fear of his life until the death of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1998. Even as the governor of Lagos, he was against President Obasanjo’s sometimes undemocratic style of governance. He supported protesters against former President Jonathan’s economic policies. That, this same person will now be superintending over abuse of human and political rights of Nigerians is highly unimaginable.
That Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the president and some young peaceful protesters were rounded up, arraigned for treason is quite disappointing and unthinkable. The charge against these youths for treason is absurd and malicious. These same protesters have been asked by the court to pay N100m for their bail. This is enough evidence that, there is a gang up to deny Nigerians freedom to express themselves against this government’s depressing economic policies. The inalienable rights of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and speech is being infringed upon by this government.
President Tinubu and his team are taking Nigerians for granted. They are testing the patience of the people. This government appears more interested in shutting Nigerians out of relevance. They appear planning for ruthlessness in governance than working harder to fight against the ravaging hunger in the land.
Let President Tinubu be told in clear terms that, Nigerians cannot be cowed. Nigerians have always won against tyranny and tyrannical leaders. If he refuses to recant in his dictatorial tendencies and, adopt democratic approaches in governance then, he has Nigerians to contend with. Of course, as always, Nigerians will triumph. The President must not allow his subordinates to ruin his government. This Gen. Sani Abacha’s tactics of harassment, arrest, detention and unwarranted charges will only boomerang against him. This his deliberate attempt at stifling citizens to adhere to his economic policies shall not win for him.
It is obvious he has allowed the sweet aroma of power to create a wide gap between his government and his genuine associates and friends. Mr. President should not allow power to blind his eyes and block his ears from the realities of the time. The doors of the Villa shut against divergent opinions to resolve the economic logjam will spell further doom for him. He must not see opposition to his policies as crime. Those who speak out or protest against his poor economic policies and the hardship effect are not his enemies that must be crushed.
Nigeria is too big for a dictator. It has never worked and can never work. We had thought with his political experiences, President Tinubu will organize Nigeria to achieve greatness. It is highly appalling that his government have worsened the economic position of many. In just 16 months of his administration, Nigerians are groaning under a severe fiscal crisis. He released the first shot at Nigerians on May 29, 2023, that has brought immeasurable suffering on Nigerians. So, he should not expect Nigerians to fold their hands and watch. As it is natural with us, we will revolt.
The country belongs to us all. When he made money available for the NASS members to purchase brand new SUVs not minding the dare hunger in the land, what was he expecting? When he bought a presidential jet, built a new house for the VP, a brand new escalade for himself, a new car for the First Lady, bulletproof tyres, travels frequently, etc, while the country and people suffer painful economic hardship. Didn’t he realize that Nigerians will react? So far, President Tinubu wanted to be president not necessarily to come to the rescue of Nigeria and Nigerians. It is crystal clear now that, since coming to power, there is no commitment at solving the myriad of problems bedeviling the country.
Pump price is now N1,300, N1,350 for a litre, depending where you are. This has necessitated the triple increase in prices of commodities beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. So, when President Tinubu talked about the fact that, they had to take the hard, painful and bold decision to build a better and prosperous country, one may then ask; How are they making their own sacrifices in all this? What is the President doing with a yacht? Should the president not have waited a little to fix the economy before a presidential jet? What is the essence of a new VP’s house? How can where the former VP stayed just few months ago not be conducive for the current? What is the need for bulletproof tyres that cost hundreds of millions? What is the need for long convoys? What are the thousands of security aides attached to government officials when bandits have almost overrun the country? Why would a President that is talking about hard and painful decision purchase N1billion vehicle? What sensitive government would throw in billions to buy SUVs for its lawmakers in this murderous economy?
Something is just not adding up here. It is either this government is not upright with governance of this country or, they are bunch of confused citizens in power. Nigeria and Nigerians are not difficult to govern or manage. Mr. President must move fast to arrest the drift. He has to take governance seriously. No reasonable father celebrates drinking champagne when his children are sick and hungry. President Tinubu must tighten his belts. He has to stop his government excessive spending on non-vital subjects to appear resolute before Nigerians. The bulk of the sacrifices cannot continue to be on the people, the officials in power should shoulder more.
God bless Nigeria!
Uzodinma Nwaogbe
