Arts and Life
OPEN LETTER TO MR. PRESIDENT: FAILURE TO ADDRESS THE STATE OF THE NATION ON THE NATIONWIDE PROTEST, DELIVERED SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST, 2024
By Hamza N. Dantani Esq
I am a proud citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, legal practitioner and a politically conscious and concerned compatriot. I write this open letter to you with a deep sense of passion, untainted patriotism and good intent for Nigeria.
Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I pen these words, deeply concerned about the severe hardships that have engulfed our nation.
Your Excellency, I set my alarm clock for 6:30 am for 4th August 2024, to ensure that I did not miss your much awaited address to the nation on the current protest across the nation which started on 1st August 2024 and is to last till 10th August 2024.
Disappointingly, your address left so much to be desired, as it totally failed to address the concerns of citizens.
The nationwide protests, driven by dire issues of hunger, insecurity, and rising costs of living, speak to the untold hardship Nigerians are facing at this very moment. From the city of Kaduna to the Lagos Metropolis to the ancient city of Kano, Nigerians trooped out en masse, in exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly, to ventilate their grievances. Although the protests have been largely peaceful in some areas, it has been hijacked by hoodlums in other places and turned violent, as some fellow citizens have tragically lost their lives. This situation is deeply troubling and demands immediate and effective action from your administration.
As you well know, the primary purpose of government, as provided for in section 14 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), is the security and welfare of the people. Furthermore, subsection 2(a) of the aforementioned section declares loudly that “sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority.” In addition, the oath of office in the seventh schedule of the Constitution which you took when you assumed office states that you will discharge your duties always in the interest of the well-being and prosperity of the country. Mr. President, Nigerians are groaning under the yoke of poverty!
The public outcry and the demands for relief- specifically, the reduction of fuel prices, food prices and the costs of governance- reflect critical issues that require urgent and thoughtful responses. However, your address, which focused on enumerating your achievements in office and tagging the protests as political, failed to address these pressing concerns. Hunger and hardship, not politics, are the unifying factors in these protests. Remember you made the popular statement “let the poor breathe; don’t suffocate them.”
Before you assumed office on May 29, 2023, many Nigerians connected with you as an activist who empathized with the pain of the masses. I can vividly recall that in 2012, when the government of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan marginally increased the pump price of petroleum products, you led protests against that policy.
Nigerians are now surprised that you have surpassed the same leader you criticized in causing more pains to Nigerians. It has not helped matters that amid the pains and suffering Nigerians are currently facing, you have stated flatly in your address that there will be no review of the policies that have impoverished Nigerians.
Mr. President, it is imperative for any leadership to recognize and address the grievances of its citizens, particularly when their basic needs and safety are at stake.The current dissatisfaction among the populace is a clear indication that your administration’s approach is not aligned with the needs and expectations of the people. And as the father of the nation, it is your duty to listen to your people. After all, the voice of the people is the voice of God.
I urge you to reassess your policies, although well-intentioned but suffocating for Nigerians, and take tangible steps to address the demands of the people. My piece of advice as one who wants the best for this country is that, formulating and implementing effective strategies to reduce the cost of living and improve governance transparency are essential for alleviating public suffering and restoring confidence in your government. In the meantime, Mr. President should reduce the price of fuel to at least meet Nigerians half-way.
Neglecting these issues that affect the common man on the street not only exacerbates the current crisis but also poses significant risk of further instability. The continued disregard for the people’s needs and lack of adequate response to their legitimate concerns are recipes for disaster, which could have long-term repercussions for both this administration and the nation as a whole.
We can learn from recent history in Kenya. On June 18, 2024, young Kenyans took to the streets to oppose the proposed tax reforms introduced in the 2024 Finance Bill that had been submitted to the Kenyan parliament by President William Ruto’s government, marking a significant shift in the landscape of youth activism and advocacy in Africa. On 26 June, 2024, President Rutobowed to the will of the people and withdrew the Finance Bill, 2024. Further, the President proposed spending cuts and agreed to expenditures to benefit ordinary Kenyans.
I hope that you can borrow a leaf from President Ruto who listened to his people and take this opportunity to prioritize the well-being of your citizens and act decisively to address their needs. Your leadership and commitment to resolving these critical issues will play a crucial role in the country’s path forward.
I thank you for your time and commitment to a renewed hope for Nigerians. Please accept the assurances of my highest professional regards.
Signed
Hamza N. Dantani Esq
Legal Practitioner
