By Miracle Ogunde
Nothing seems so fascinating about Nigeria anymore. Everyday comes with one ‘wahala’ or the other. ‘Wahala’ is a Yoruba language that means trouble or problem.
One hardly reads good news in the dailies. Only the social media plays a huge role in dousing the tension brought by economic hardship on Nigerians. At least if you don’t have money, have data. You won’t get bored! Kudos to online skit makers who give us reasons to laugh despite the worst economic situation we are faced with as a country.
The only assurance we keep getting is ‘E lo fokanbale’ meaning ‘let your mind be at rest’, despite the increasing hunger facing Nigerians.
Most times I ask if the leaders truly feel the pains of the masses, because they seem less bothered since they are not affected. All their burdens are on the government, they care-less if the citizens could feed or not. Selfish leaders everywhere.
The reports of dollar rising like ‘garri ijebu’ is nothing new to Nigeria. We are all getting used to it. Naira has finally lost its value and more or less become useless. Only God knows if the dollar will come down anytime soon.
Inflation has risen to the highest in the nation’s history, still the government says ‘they are on top of the situation’. Are they truly on top or is the situation on top of the government? They are not getting it right any way.
From all indications, this government did not prepare for governance. Announcing the removal of fuel subsidy without making necessary provisions to cushion its effect on the masses is an act of ‘wickedness’. Is there anything that doesn’t rise when fuel price rises? Why exactly are we not getting it right?
The #35,000 wage award promised to the federal government workers has not been paid regularly. While workers keep clamouring for the review of the new minimum wage, the government keeps making promises, setting up various committees which are yet to come up with something ‘reasonable’.
Just recently, a leaked memo reveals the bogus amount the government earmarked to inaugurate the minimum wage committee. Everyone was shocked at the figure! This came after the federal government failed to pay the agreed wage award promised to workers. Of course, the few are getting more fed from the government’s purse.
Many companies, both foreign and local have folded up due to unfavourable economic situations and harsh policies set up by the present administration. Many have lost their jobs, adding to the increasing number of unemployed graduates in the country.
Just recently, the federal government through the mister of power said it would no longer fund electricity subsidies. It lamented the high cost of the subsidies, revealing the debts owed electricity distribution and gas companies. This shows there is an imminent hike in Electricity tariff.
Likewise the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, (NERC) said it is considering increasing the price of prepaid meters soon.
The commission blamed the proposed increase on the high cost of production faced by meter manufacturers.
Sources say that the manufacturers have ceased issuing invoices to Distribution Companies (Discos) in anticipation of an upward price revision by the NERC.
According to them, the increase in prices is directly related to the foreign exchange crisis affecting the economy, leading to increased production costs and inflationary pressures on manufacturers.
Recall that in September 2023, NERC reviewed the price of prepaid meter in a circular marked NERC/2023/020, and jointly signed by Sanusi Garba, the commission’s chairman ’and Dafe Akpeneye, its commissioner, legal, licencing, and compliance.
The commission said a single-phase meter will now cost N81,975.16 instead of the previous price of N58,661.69.
Similarly, the price of a three-phase meter was increased to N143,836.10 from N109,684.36.
Nigerians no longer pay for light but darkness. Despite assurances by the power ministry that Nigerians would soon enjoy stable power supply, it is just more talk with less action. Nigerians enjoy no power, coupled with rising cost of foodstuffs. Yet, the government has failed to stabilize the cost of food and set up a control board to address the skyrocketing cost of food items nationwide.
Today, there was a report that some people died in the stampede at the immigration office in Lagos in their efforts to purchase the half bag of rice forfeited to the immigration which is now sold for 10,000 naira. What a tragedy of a nation!
The proposed strike to be embarked by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has been met with lots of opposition and resistance from the government and some notable individuals, restricting the congress from carrying on with its plan.
It is sad to note that the sister Union of NLC, the Trade Union Congress, TUC has vowed not to partake in the protest, accusing NLC of taking decisions unilaterally. This is an indication that some people are likely to sabotage the planned protests. Why can’t the two unions work in unity? This is a problem triggered by selfish interests.
With the pressures mounting on the NLC to shelve its proposed strike, it will not be a surprise if the strike is later called off or has no effect on the government.
Those soliciting and pleading on behalf of President Tinubu telling Nigerians to be patient with him after spending close to eight months in office are Nigeria’s worst enemies. Are they expecting a hungry man to remain calm in the face of unbearable hunger without any hope in sight?
Why can’t they speak the truth to power? Nigerians have tried enough, as a matter of fact, they are the most tolerant people on earth. But their tolerance and patience must not be taken for granted. No doubt, things are already getting out of hand.
Let’s call a spade a spade. The administration of President Tinubu has failed to meet up to expectations since assuming office. It is high time the President came to the reality of the fact that Nigerians are losing their patience and would not keep quiet and be patient in the face of adversity.
The presidency should stop giving false hopes to Nigerians. They should admit their mistakes and stop the blame game. Blaming the economic woes on the past administration controlled by the ruling APC is very laughable and untenable. They should proffer urgent solutions to address the economic hardship that is getting out of hand.
President Tinubu should man up to his responsibilities as the number one citizen and leader of millions of people. Their lives and future lie in his hands, he shouldn’t toy with it. Mr. President should face the reality and seek help urgently before the situation escalates.
Mr. President should reverse some of his harsh policies and return to the drawing board to make amends urgently. A leader should be humble to accept his mistakes and make amends where necessary. Nigerians should not be taken for granted. These ‘wahala’ must come to an end soonest. 2027 is still far to endure unnecessary hardship. Nigeria needs serious help because Nigerians are helpless.
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