The 10-day nationwide protest against hunger and hardship, which began on August 1, has officially come to an end, leaving behind a trail of casualties and destruction.
The protests, which took place across the country, saw Nigerians taking to the streets to demand an end to what they termed as bad governance, driven by unfavorable government policies.
While the protests remained peaceful in the southern parts of the country, the northern regions witnessed a wave of violence, leading to the loss of lives and the destruction of property.
In response to the escalating violence, governors in some northern states were forced to impose curfews, aiming to curb the unrest and prevent further chaos.
As the protests wind down, the call for good governance has not diminished. Despite the protesters leaving the streets, Nigerians continue to voice their demands for better governance and accountability from the government.
Prominent figures, including lawyers, activists, traditional rulers, academics, and political leaders, have reflected on the 10-day protest and emphasized the need for the government to address the concerns raised by the protesters.
They unanimously called for a reduction in the cost of governance, a return to the previous pump price of petroleum products, and increased transparency and accountability in government operations.
Eminent human rights activist, Femi Aborisade, stressed the importance of substantive reforms to restore public trust.
He stated, “The protests are a clear indication that the Nigerian people have had enough of the corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability in government.
The government must put an end to the culture of impunity and make substantial investments in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.”
Former federal lawmaker, Hon. Peter Umoh, advocated for the creation of a new constitution, stating, “Only a new constitution will bring about good governance in the country.
The current amendments have not moved the country forward, despite the billions spent by the National Assembly.
The federal government should take bold and practical steps to return Nigeria to the parliamentary system of government, which is less expensive and more efficient.”
Abagun Kole Omololu, National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, highlighted the need for fundamental constitutional restructuring, arguing that the current administration cannot effectively address the endemic issues of bad governance as the country is presently constituted.
Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), pointed to a lack of transparency and accountability as the root cause of bad governance in Nigeria, citing the mismanagement of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as a prime example.
Several other prominent voices echoed these sentiments, calling for the federal government to reverse all unfriendly economic policies, reduce the cost of governance, and ensure food security.
They emphasized the need for the government to cut down on the opulence of the elite and redirect funds toward developing the agricultural sector to guarantee employment and food security.
As the nation reflects on the events of the past 10 days, the message from Nigerians is clear: the demand for good governance is non-negotiable, and the government must take immediate and decisive action to address the concerns raised by the people.
