The 10-day protest against bad governance in Nigeria, which began on August 1, 2024, has proven to be one of the most effective demonstrations in recent history. The protests, which have been largely peaceful, have united Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and political divides in their discontent with the government's policies.
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The protests have been sparked by the government's decision to withdraw petrol subsidies, which has led to a significant increase in fuel prices. The move has been widely criticized as ill-advised and has exacerbated the already dire economic situation in the country.
President Bola Tinubu, who was once a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement, has found himself at the receiving end of the protests. His administration's policies have been widely criticized, and the protests have been seen as a rejection of his leadership.
The protests have been notable for their unity and peaceful nature. In Jos, Plateau State, Christians formed a ring around their Muslim colleagues while they observed afternoon prayers, demonstrating the solidarity that has characterized the protests.
The protests have also highlighted the failures of successive administrations to address the corruption in the oil subsidy regime. The government's decision to withdraw subsidies has been seen as a failure to confront the corruption head-on.
The article argues that the government needs to manage the subsidy to ensure that it turns into a competitive advantage for the country. It also notes that the argument that subsidy is anathema to capitalism does not hold, citing examples of subsidies in Europe, America, and Japan.
The protests have sent a clear message to the political class that Nigerians demand better. The article concludes that Nigerians are despiteful of both the ruling APC and the opposition PDP because of their mismanagement of the economy. The protests have given the political class an opportunity to repent and make amends.
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