#endbadgovernance

This writer has experienced different protests right from childhood; sometimes, it looks like a routine activity in every government. I can vividly remember my mum taking us on a school run, and she would stop down sometimes to pluck some leaves to put in front of the bonnet of the car. This was a show of solidarity with the rioters. 

As a kid, I couldn't fathom the economic pressures people of the early 90's went through to warrant riots. It must have been tough for them then. 

Fast forward to 2023, a new Government came to power, and in a few minutes of the inaugural speech, a tougher life took a swing at Nigerians; it was an uppercut that Sugar Ray Robinson would be proud of. The stinging blow that came with the words "subsidy is gone". As a journalist watching the inauguration, I couldn't process the effect well. It was just a wicked uppercut that I was yet to fully understand. Why? what does this truly mean? 

The PMS marketers already knew the implications in split seconds. I'm sure they all agreed in whatever chatroom they commune that they were going to unleash hell immediately. Message received, and they all shut down. The price of PMS moved from 200 to 600 Naira. 

Now, you might think it should take an underdeveloped country, maybe 20 to 30 years, for such a hike to materialise. Well, in my illustrious country, Nigeria, it took 24 hrs or even less. Well, from there, the floating balloon of PMS continued to soar. I think PMS has a Christian vibe in Nigeria, "no one can bring me down in Jesus' name".

If you have read to this point you really like me or maybe you are enjoying thing article. Please stay with me.

That uppercut of May 29th 2023 has affected everything. Transportation, food prices, and Prices of essential commodities. Even value-added tax increased. The Naira was floated by a Genius, The once valiant Naira lost weight, consciousness and identity in the league of Top currencies. Even borrowing from banks came at a higher interest rate, all engineered by the Supreme and all-knowing leaders of Nigeria. 

At a time in Nigeria, you could say there were maybe the Wealthy, Rich, Average and Poor classes. Now, in Nigeria, It's either you are Wealthy or poor, everyone in between is struggling with a sad smile.

This is 2024 as an Adult, Husband and Father, I now understand why people are sick and tired of bad Governance. How do you buy a loaf of bread for 2,000 Naira? How? A bag of sachet water is between 350-400 Naira. 

Even the casual Police bribes have increased, the bus drivers have their catalogue of tales, and I won't bother opening that cesspool. 

It gets worse, the Europeans don't want us to come live with them. Our own country is unbearable to live in.

Whatever the country has experienced lately with the #endbadgovernance protests is a microcosm of what will happen soon. The mother of all protests. 

Just a few days ago in Abuja, I saw people placing leaves in front of their cars and buses; it triggered memories of my childhood. A lot of people are out of Jobs, and many are hungry and angry; heck, I am angry too. 

It's not so hard to see what to do as a responsible Government. Till the Government decides to actually be for the people, the #endbadgovernance protest will grow bigger, and maybe decisive actions will be taken.