Nationwide Protest: Choosing Wisely on Nigeria’s Future, by Haroon Aremu

Nationwide Protest: Choosing Wisely on
Nigeria’s Future

By Haroon Aremu

Recently, the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) warned Nigerians against adopting the violent anti-tax protest model used in Kenya, stating that it will only lead to destruction and chaos.
Chairman of the Centre, General Chris Olukolade (Rtd) emphasized that while the right to protest is guaranteed, destructive protests should be avoided. He noted that Nigeria already faces internal security challenges and violent protests will only create opportunities for criminals to cause mayhem.

Similarly, the Department of State Services (DSS) disclosed thy it had uncovered a plot to infiltrate planned protests in Nigeria and use them to cause chaos and violence, with the ultimate goal of achieving regime change.

The Spokesperson of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya therefore warned protest groups against violence and urged them to engage with authorities peacefully, while also calling on stakeholders to shun orchestrated violence.

Nigeria faces challenges whenever progress seems within reach. Some individuals, who benefit from destabilization, oppose advancements and incite public unrest. By comparing Nigeria to Kenya and emulating their protest strategies, they risk bringing further destruction—looting, stealing, and bloodshed. Such actions could lead to widespread condemnation of the current government, destabilize the nation, and provoke unpredictable future administrations. The irreversible losses from the EndSARS protest serve as a stark reminder.

The current administration may face criticism, especially if another protest erupts. This is precisely what those opposed to Nigeria’s progress desire. The saying, “The pot that will contain a good stew will get seriously hot,” highlights that good things require patience. While destruction is swift, rebuilding takes time.

President Tinubu’s administration is laying a solid foundation for Nigeria’s growth through the removal of subsidies and liberalization of forex. These reforms aim to fight corruption, promote fiscal discipline, and create a stable investment environment crucial for long-term prosperity.

Removing fuel subsidies alleviates the fiscal burden on the government, reallocating funds to vital areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. In 2022, Nigeria spent over $7 billion on subsidies, draining public funds and enabling corruption. A 2012 report by Nigeria’s House of Representatives indicated that $6.8 billion was lost to corruption in the subsidy regime between 2009 and 2011. Eliminating subsidies promotes transparency, encourages market efficiency, and stimulates investment in alternative energy sources.

Liberalizing forex allows the exchange rate to be market-driven, addressing disparities between official and black market rates, which have fueled corruption. A transparent forex regime attracts foreign investment by providing stability and reducing currency fluctuation risks. This policy has started to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI), essential for economic growth and job creation. Additionally, a market-driven exchange rate makes Nigerian exports more competitive, supporting diverse sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

Since these reforms, Nigeria has seen improved economic stability. The removal of subsidies has reduced fiscal deficits, and forex liberalization has stabilized the naira. Increased oil sector revenue is now funding social programs and infrastructure projects, enhancing Nigerians’ quality of life. Corruption related to fuel subsidies and forex allocations has decreased, with anti-corruption agencies better equipped to tackle fraud.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) management scheme has issued a warning to corps members, reminding them of the prohibition against participating in political activities, including protests. This restriction is based on the NYSC Act, specifically Section 14, which bars corps members from engaging in political or religious activities. Let us all be responsible citizens.

Vanguard newspaper collated the views from significant figures and organizations across Nigeria urging for the cancellation of the protest, citing concerns over potential violence and disruption. The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have both emphasized the importance of dialogue over protests, warning that such demonstrations might be exploited by miscreants leading to chaos. The Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) echoed these sentiments, stressing that violent protests could exacerbate Nigeria’s challenges and lead to further instability. The Igbos in Lagos, represented by local business leaders, have specifically voiced fears of their properties becoming targets for looting. Similarly, the Enugu Innovative Youths and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq have highlighted the risks of unrest and called for peaceful solutions. Meanwhile, Dr. Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and Yoruba youth leaders have also advocated for postponing the protest, suggesting that dialogue and government engagement are more constructive approaches. The overarching plea from these groups is for peaceful and effective means of addressing Nigeria’s economic and social issues without resorting to potentially destructive demonstrations.

While the current administration’s efforts may not yet meet everyone’s expectations, they are expected to yield positive outcomes in the near future. Despite tough times, let’s believe there is light at the end of the tunnel.

As a Nigerian citizen, we have the constitutional right to protest peacefully. But are we sure this protest will end peacefully? Do we know the masterminds behind it—their motivations and end goals? How credible are they? Are we being drawn into a hidden agenda? The organizers remain faceless, similar to the EndSARS promoters.

Whether we choose peace and progress or crisis, our nation will not stay the same. We should xhoose wisely. The masterminds behind this protest won’t be present when we encounter losses. They’ll benefit from our struggles while advancing their own interests. As patriotic citizens, let the. change we desire start with us and our household. By fulfilling our civic duties, together we can work towards making Nigeria great again.

Haroon Aremu is a Mass Communication graduate and a corps member with PRNigeria center Abuja.