Government, in its real sense, is supposed to be an institution created by the people and for the people; a system that ensures the safety, comfort, and progress of its citizens. But what happens when that same government becomes the very tool that frustrates its citizens? What happens when, instead of providing hope, it sows despair? Sadly, that seems to be the situation we find ourselves in today.
Since the present administration assumed office a little over a year ago, things have gone from bad to worse. The economy has crumbled, the health of citizens has deteriorated, and the financial strength of families has completely collapsed. The cost of living keeps rising like the blood pressure of someone battling hypertension. Yet, the government seems insensitive to the outcry of the people.
Is this really the kind of leadership we deserve from our president? When a government that is supposed to serve its people begins to act in ways that suffocate them, what else can we call it if not dictatorship in disguise? The well-being of citizens should be the highest priority of any government, but in our case, it appears that those in power have placed their own interests far above the needs of the masses.
Barely a month after assuming office, the government removed fuel subsidy and floated the naira, rendering the currency almost worthless. While the people were still trying to adjust, prices of food, transportation, and other essential goods began to soar beyond imagination. We were told these were “bold reforms” to stabilize the economy, but what stability can exist when ordinary citizens can barely afford to eat or move around?
To make matters worse, the government promised to increase the minimum wage. Yet, the same wage has become a source of endless debate, while the cost of commodities continues to rise every day. It is as though we are being punished for trusting too much. We thought we were getting a government that would take firm, lasting steps to restore hope, but instead, we got one that deepened the nation’s pain.
It is even more ironic that this same administration once condemned a past president for increasing fuel prices. Back then, that president listened to the people and reversed the decision. Today, however, our leader turns a deaf ear to the cries of the citizens. He admitted openly that his policies are causing hardship, yet he insists there is nothing he can do. Rather than find solutions, he continues to hike fuel prices and introduce new taxes. The salaries people earn are no longer enough to last half a month; transportation alone consumes most of it.
The most heartbreaking part is that those who should advise the president are the ones benefitting from his policies. The citizens who try to speak up are threatened with arrest. How long shall we remain silent? Can we continue like this and still expect things to work out well?
Adding salt to injury is the ongoing religious violence in parts of the country. Christians have faced repeated attacks for years, yet the government’s response remains weak. While both Christians and Muslims have suffered, the number of Christian casualties is alarming. Now that the United States, under President Donald Trump, has labelled Nigeria a country of concern, our leaders pretend not to see the danger ahead.
A government that truly cares for its people would protect lives, ease hardship, and restore hope. Sadly, ours seems more interested in collecting taxes and securing power than in serving the people. If we must survive, then the citizens must rise, speak truth to power, and demand a government that truly values humanity over politics.