#EnoughisEnough: Nigerians Take to the Streets Demanding Change

Thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets in recent weeks, their frustrations boiling over in a wave of protests under the banner of #EnoughisEnough. Their discontent stems from a multitude of hardships that have gripped the nation, particularly since the 2023 election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Many Nigerians believe the election itself was marred by irregularities, casting a shadow over its legitimacy. Allegations of widespread malpractices, including mutilated results and deviations from established electoral procedures, continue to simmer. This lack of faith in the democratic process fuels public unease and fuels cries for accountability.

Beyond the question of legitimacy, the Tinubu administration has been beset by a series of policy setbacks, each exacerbating the plight of ordinary Nigerians. The removal of oil fuel subsidies, a controversial yet long-standing practice, sent shockwaves through the economy. Petrol prices skyrocketed from 165 naira per litre to over 600 naira, inflicting a deep wound on household budgets and transportation costs.

Adding to the misery, insecurity remains a pervasive threat. Farmers struggle to cultivate crops as bandits and herder-farmer conflicts displace communities and leave lives lost. Kidnappings for ransom and insurgent activities further amplify the sense of vulnerability and helplessness. Despite pronouncements from the government, concrete solutions seem elusive, leaving many questioning the leadership’s capacity to tackle these critical issues.

President Tinubu’s policies have been further criticized for lacking effectiveness and clear implementation plans. This has led to growing cynicism, encapsulated in the Igbo proverb: “The knife with the good handle is blunt, while the sharp knife has no handle.” In essence, Nigerians feel the government’s actions are either ineffective or entirely absent, leaving them grappling with worsening conditions.

The economic situation is further compounded by a struggling currency. The decision to allow the naira to float freely against the USD, while seemingly logical, has backfired in a nation with limited exports and foreign direct investment. With demand for dollars outstripping supply, the naira has plummeted from 300 naira per USD in March 2023 to nearly 2000 naira today, further eroding purchasing power and exacerbating import costs.

While ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of these hardships, the narrative paints a different picture for the ruling class. Their access to foreign currency allows them to maintain a relatively comfortable lifestyle, further widening the chasm between the governed and the governing.

This stark disparity is a key driver of the #EnoughisEnough movement. SEVICS, joining the chorus of discontent, amplifies the demands of the protestors: an immediate reversal of the downward trend and concrete actions to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian people. The government, they urge, must demonstrate a genuine commitment to tackling these challenges and restoring faith in its ability to govern effectively.