This government action did not only open government wasteful spending, importantly, it unfolded the unfriendly nature of the government towards the masses. Amongst several pressing national issues ranging from corruption, lack of basic amenities (electricity, good roads, and pipe borne water), unallieviated growing poverty level, insecurity among many others which have crippled the nation’s development and made it stagnant; the government prioritise the removal of oil subsidy which is equivalent to CROSSING AN UNCONSTRUCTED BRIDGE.
On 2nd January 2012, the government action provoked the already angry masses, who shutdown the streets in major cities nationwide in a mass protest against oil subsidy removal. It was exactly a week of the mass protest ‘Occupy Nigeria’ on 9th January 2012, when the National Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress join the struggle with a nationwide strike and peaceful protest which shutdown the nation’s economy totally. Every new day, the protest got tougher as NGOs and celebrities entertain the crowd with food and music as ‘No Going Back’ became the chorus. In history, Nigerians have never been this determined and united to stop the government’s bad policy in a democratic way. On the fifth day of industrial action and tenth day of nationwide protest, the situation reached fever-pitch and the government engaged in several meetings with the Labour Unions to reach an agreement. Since they couldn’t agree, the government single handedly brought the cost to N97/L, from N65/L, having sold it at N150/L in the first two weeks in January 2012. Army were deployed to some states to forcefully stop unarmed protesters, while some were killed.
The government claim that Nigeria has incured a huge debt, and the nation could fall if oil subsidy payment continues. Meanwhile, Nigeria is one of the largest oil producing nations in the world; the country lacks basic infrastructures, how did Nigeria incured such a huge debt? Where does the oil money sink? Perhaps into the growing fat accounts of the ruling circle, who has continue to practically defend their interests at the expense of the poor masses and national development.
Nigerians generate power and portable water themselves; the poor spends much to send his child to a private school for quality education since government schools are now play grounds, yet he pays heavy tax. Companies, banks and other private enterprise generate electricity themselves, yet they also pay heavy tax shared on the customers. Frankly speaking, an average Nigeria is not dependent or expectant of any benefit from the government. By now, I hope observers, friends of the government and international bodies who hailed the inherent failing government can still hail the same government now that the subsidy has been removed? Since the hike in fuel price has accelerated the growth of poverty, crime and insecurity in the nation. Inflation which is rising to 15% (CBN Report) is romancing with the struggling masses already. Banks, companies and other private owned firms keep retrenching workers since they now run more cost, while some have closed or merged; livelihood has become more difficult for the people, parents are groaning over their children’s education due to hike in fees; house rent, hospital bills, transportation and other spheres of life have been rocked by inflation. All as a result of the removal of oil subsidy.
Is the government doing anything? Persistent failure has made the masses distrust the government. However, the government has set up a panel to investigate the oil subsidy fraud; but can a lioness kill it’s own cub? These are friends of the government, they have helped eachother in embezzling public fund, so how can they be dealt with? To relieve the masses, 1100 buses imported, no where to be found; governement promised to pay salaries on the 20th day of each month. All failed
The use of military to stop unarmed protesters, instead of correcting government errors is a shift of the EVIL DAYS. No doubt, Nigerians are patiently awaiting the next exploitation means the government could present; hence the masses revolt totally and the situation in Egypt could repeat itself in Nigeria.
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