The designated day has arrived for Nigerian citizens to express their long-suppressed frustration towards their political leaders, particularly the administration of President Bola Tinubu, through the widely promoted #EndBadGovernance protest. There is a concern that due to prolonged waiting, the accumulated anger might have intensified effects. Similar to molten lava brewing beneath the surface until it erupts, the direction of citizens’ emotions remains unpredictable. This unpredictability is perilous as it aligns with a defense mechanism mindset that copes with the enduring challenges fostered over decades through Nigeria’s unique yet malfunctioning socio-political landscape and democratic processes.
Rather than focusing their protest solely against local political figures, Nigerians should direct their grievances towards international entities such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the system it embodies, as they are influential factors. The decision to eliminate subsidies on fuel and electricity, notably declared on Tinubu’s inauguration day, was predominantly influenced by IMF policies, signaling a willingness to adhere to their agenda regardless of its repercussions. An alternative model worth considering is China, which has successfully forged its economic path autonomously without relying on external influences akin to the Bretton Woods institutions.
The delayed onset of protests could be attributed to the unfulfilled promises of the prior Muhammadu Buhari administration, which failed to eradicate the prevalent bad governance persisting since 1999 by the ousted political party. It is crucial to differentiate between #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance movements. While Buhari is not solely accountable for the nation’s challenges, the populace favored his leadership over the preceding administration due to anticipated improvements and combatting corruption.
The narrative surrounding Buhari’s anti-corruption stance turned into a political reality, yet the subsequent development witnessed a co-option of power by unscrupulous politicians aligning with the government, ultimately blurring the lines between the ruling party and the opposition. The envisioned change to combat corruption gradually dissipated, leading to a status quo reminiscent of prior corrupt practices.
The unrest brewing among Nigerians likely stems from displaced anger, where frustrations are redirected towards unrelated targets. Understanding the multifaceted demands and grievances within the protest spectrum is essential, reflecting underlying existential issues crucial for the nation’s survival, whether pertaining to corruption, ethnic disparities, religious constraints, or political misalignment, all subsumed under the broad umbrella of bad governance.
Protests unfold organically with uncertainties surrounding their inception and outcomes. Past protests, triggered by fuel price hikes, inadvertently merged with the global Occupy Movement, resonating with broader issues of social and economic inequality and challenges to perceived democracy worldwide. Such movements underline the shared struggle against corporate dominance and global financial disparities, transcending local grievances.
To navigate the complexities of protests effectively, a coherent understanding of their underlying philosophies aids in ensuring constructive engagements rather than mere expressions of discontent. Political figures riding populist promises must be held accountable for their actions post-election, echoing the disillusionment experienced with unfulfilled expectations in other regions.
Ultimately, addressing the dispersed anger among the populace demands proactive measures. Effective communication, stress mitigation, and anger management mechanisms must be prioritized to bridge the growing disconnect between the government and its constituents, offering tangible solutions and instilling renewed hope for a better future.