In the last four days Nigeria practically came to a standstill as protesters took on the government in a campaign that has engulfed the whole nation. World renowned Nigerian writers like Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe have added their voices to the protest. The Nigerian Labour Congress in its indefinite strike brought the Nigerian workplace to a halt. As I write, Nigerians are waiting patiently in their homes wondering who will give in, in this stand-off. In case you are reading this and don't know what "Occupy Nigeria" means, this is what it is about:
- Reversing the removal of subsidy on petroleum products. The idea is not to make the life of Nigerians harder than it already is. The subsidy introduced by the Nigerian government on January 1st 2012 has already attracted a skyrocketing increase in the prices of goods, transport and services including a 120% increase in the price of petrol.
- Dealing with corruption in government and public service
- High rate of poverty: Majority of Nigerians live on less than $2 a day
- Protest against inhuman treatment of Nigerians by government and security agents
- Campaign against wasteful government spending and for a cut-back on politician allowances
So far 16 deaths have been recorded at protests in Lagos, Maiduguri, Ilorin and Gusau. All reportedly alleged shootings by the Nigerian Police Force.
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| Ademola Aderinde - Murdered in a Lagos protest In solidarity with other Nigerians, I believe in a better Nigeria. Bloggers and fellow Nigerians, it is time to add our voices to the campaign for a better Nigeria. Occupy Nigeria. Occupy the cyberspace for a better Nigeria.  |
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ReplyDeleteIt pathetic so see a democratically elected president turn totalitarian on the orders of some calibal who funded his election.
ReplyDeleteHoping the masses win this battle and praying also for a better Nigeria.
I hope Nigerians will continue the fight against corruption and for a better Nigeria after fuel is once again subsidized. Things are not ok with that country and we can't afford to maintain the status quo.
ReplyDelete@Lara: Nigeria is not a democracy in practice, our democracy only exist on paper. We do not exude one characteristic of a democratic state.
ReplyDelete@Naijalines: Kudos on this one, we have to be heard.
@ Adura, as always you show yourself to be a true patriot of Nigeria. I am in solidairty with you and all Nigerians in the struggle for a better Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteI like the energy and spirit shown by our people in standing up to bad governance. I hope this campaign does go just beyond fuel subsidy removal. I believe this is a golden opportunity for us to reclaim our country, if not, history will be unkind to us.
God bless Nigeria!
I am doing okay. Thanks for checking up on me.
ReplyDeleteWe hope we get something positive out of these protests o
Steve: Thanks.
ReplyDelete'Lara: My prayer is the same, Lara.
Prism: Many people - including me - have the same concerns as yourself. This is not just a subsidy issue.
9jaFooDie: True, our (brand of) democracy can best be described as 'work in progress'. Thanks for the kudos, hope you'd join us on part two too:)
Naija4life: It is indeed a golden opportunity to reclaim our country, bro. The protest must go beyond subsidy removal. That's why we must all support "Occupy Nigeria" and address the various points of the campaign including the thorny issue of corruption within the Nigerian government.
ReplyDelete@ilola: I'm glad to know you are okay. I also hope we get results from raising our voices. To speak out is always better than doing nothing. If we don't speak, our voice is dead or worse still, it dies with our inaction. That is not our portion.
Nigerians we are proud at this moment. We are finally tired of being given so much by God yet a few think it is only for them. They are the scum of the earth without love for their fellow country man. They visit western societies and like fools smile when they spend their money, not knowing that behind their backs they are spat on by those whose ass they suck up to.
ReplyDeleteFitting the stereotype of the black man with no sense, they can not see that the countries they are visiting are great because wealth is shared. forever seeing but not understanding, their days are numbered. Fools with money!
Totally agree, Anon. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteI don't know why new people will get into government and do things the same old way. What happened to progress??
ReplyDeleteIndeed, this is the question, MsTizzle.
DeleteI'm so disappointed that the protests ended on such a weak point. NLC couldnt even exact a concrete promise from GEJ. Not about use of revenue subsidy, arrest of the murdering policemen or cut in allowances. Just a 97 slam bam wham there you go.
ReplyDelete