By: Godwin Offor
The recent call for a nationwide protest has struck a chord with many, who are fed up with the escalating prices of basic necessities, meager wages, and the rampant kidnappings that have become a norm.
At the heart of this discontent is the feeling that those in power have abandoned the people, prioritizing their own interests over the welfare of the nation. The newly approved minimum wage of N70,000, for instance, is a paltry sum that can barely cover the cost of a bag of local rice, which now sells for over N70,000. This stark reality has left many wondering how they are expected to survive, let alone thrive.
The situation is further compounded by the fact that kidnappers now demand as little as N20,000 to release their victims. This is a far cry from the days when kidnapping was a rare occurrence, and the ransom demands were astronomical. Today, it seems that even the poorest of the poor are not spared from this menace.
As the people of Nigeria cry out for change, it is imperative that those in power listen. The governors, who are seen as the custodians of the people’s trust, must take a stand and support the protest. It is no longer enough to pay lip service to the plight of the people; concrete actions must be taken to address the grievances that have been raised.
The president and governors must be held accountable for their failures. The time for excuses is over; the time for action is now. The people of Nigeria demand a better life, and it is the duty of those in power to ensure that this demand is met.
The Power of the People
As the people of Nigeria demand an end to bad governance, they must also realize that they hold the power to effect change. The protest is not just a cry for help; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that the people will no longer sit idly by while their country is run aground.
The power of the people is a force to be reckoned with. It is the power that has brought down governments and toppled dictators. It is the power that has inspired revolutions and sparked change. And it is this power that will bring about the change that Nigeria so desperately needs.
A Call to Action
As the protest gains momentum, it is imperative that all Nigerians join in. This is not a partisan issue; it is a national one. The suffering of the people knows no political boundaries, and neither should the solution.
To the leaders, we say – listen to the cry of the people. Take concrete actions to address the grievances that have been raised. It is not too late to make things right.
To the people, we say – do not be afraid to demand what is rightfully yours. You have the power to effect change, and now is the time to use it.
Together, we can make Nigeria great again. Together, we can bring an end to bad governance and usher in a new era of prosperity and growth. The time for change is now; let us seize it with both hands.