Everyday conversations in Nigeria currently, have mostly, centred on the pervasive and unbridled hunger in the land. Market information on food prices has remained unabatedly high, even fuelling unprofessional speculation amongst the informal sector economic operators.
Daily market information on prices of foodstuffs coupled with the tales of hunger cutting across the geographical space of Nigeria is a sufficient signal, more than ever before, for more pragmatic and evidence-based efforts by the government of the day to show sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of the people and their well-being.
It is unfortunate, appalling and inexcusable for the managers of the Nigerian economy to remain in denial about the dire situation and instead revel in having taken some appropriate (albeit unconvincing) steps that would reign in the supposed ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ after the current hardship. When this would happen cannot be easily predicted even by hard-core (or political) economists.
One of the easiest ways to demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness of a democratic government is to eat the humble pie and own up to wrong policies by adjusting same when such policies negatively impact the people, with no immediate and clear sign of easing. The continued defence mechanism, intimidations, blackmail and propaganda employed by the present government to hoodwink and blindfold the people can no longer stand the test of time as the backs of the masses are already on the walls with defiant resistance as the only choice open to them now.
From the inception of the current administration on May 29, 2023, till date (almost eighteen months after), the policies and programs of the government have been unrepentantly and insensitively directed at inflicting pain on the larger society without remorse. The administration has remained unapologetic with the lame excuse that reforms require hard decisions.
The administration has refused to face reality, using, as they did during the electioneering period in 2023, various blackmailing instruments of coercion, including the use of leaders of thought (religious, traditional and even civil society) to canvass for support, all of which have provided only cosmetic results.
Most attempts to address the consequences of the failed policies have been insignificant with nothing to show for such efforts. The provision of palliatives which to all intent and purposes are only cosmetic (temporary) steps only serve to cushion the effects of natural disasters and other unforeseen calamities of immense proportions on the society, until appropriate and sustainable remedies are instituted. It is more suitable where the people are destitute due to such occurrences. Nigeria needs both short and long-term measures that are not only appropriate but sustainable in the long run.
It is undeniably obvious that the current economic situation and associated hardships in our land are due to government policies. They have only inflicted hardship, impoverished and caused unbridled poverty in the land. This has resulted in the weaponizing of stomach infrastructure, a veritable instrument of vulnerability and forced acceptance.
It is difficult to understand how a nation so endowed with abundant human and material resources could be so reduced to infra dig while the people look on. Sometimes, one wonders if we are under a spell. We are like a child with royal blood that has been pauperised and reduced to a hungry beggar. God forbids! The gods and our ancestors will not allow this level of indignity and poverty in our land to continue any longer. The gods are faithful to their responsibilities and will not shy away from watching over generations.
Every rational being is expected to be sensitive to every action(s) and respond accordingly. The repercussions of any such insensitivity to react, especially where issues are supposed to be addressed frontally, could be of unimaginable proportions. It is rather unfortunate that we are faced with potentially monumental consequences, given the pervasive insensitivity of the entire society to the prevailing economic and security situation in our land.
While government officials savor and dwell on the exploits of a conqueror (as if we are in a war situation), the people yawn and beg for palliatives to cushion their impoverished state of imposed hunger. All the economic rationale and logic of the present administration have been rendered impotent and unworkable, yet government officials and their agents stubbornly look straight in the faces of Nigerians (using both the print and media) to boldly justify the same. Who is fooling who?
The situation has gone beyond suffering and smiling (respect to the legendary Fela). The people no longer trust (or have confidence) in their respective leaders and are tired of the predictable admonition for understanding, cooperation and patience. It is now ‘to your tent ye Nigerians’ (emphasis ours).
Each one is now left to fend for him/herself with the government now practically aloof from the people. The absence of leadership is glaring in our land and any reaction from the people could be spontaneous. What cannot be predicted or even contemplated, however, is better imagined where everyone is to him/ herself, and God for us all.
Given the above, your guess would be as good as ours, if the question is posed as to whether a total uprising would be a surprise in our land.
Written by; Professor Frank, I. Amagwu with contributions from Chuks, M. Sokari.
