“Government Urged to Address Governance Failures Amid Public Discontent”. by Fidelis Duker.

Lately, my Facebook friends have been questioning why I rarely engage in discussions about national and international issues. The reason for my silence is rooted in my exhaustion from writing about governance without witnessing any significant improvements, while the political class continues to perpetuate poverty among the masses. This sense of disillusionment has led me to adopt a stance of passive observation known as the “SIDON LOOK” syndrome.

In light of the upcoming protest scheduled for August 1, I feel compelled to caution both the government and the protest organizers to tread carefully. A protest whether peaceful or not but not well managed may be disastrous because we saw the disastrous effect of the last endsars mayhem. A right to protest is enshrined in our constitution and no government can stop a protest. However, the protest must be peaceful and follow all laid down rules. This is where both parties must thread carefully.

The economy is currently in a dire state, with citizens bearing the brunt of its downturn. It is evident that the government needs to shift its focus towards implementing practical and impactful solutions rather than offering superficial gestures like distributing twenty thousand bags of rice per state or having members of the House of Representatives forfeit only fifty percent of their basic salary not their lavish allowances. When considering that this forfeiture of 50% of their salaries amounts to meagre 108 million naira for 360 members in a country with a population of 230 million, it becomes apparent that such measures are merely token gestures that fall short of addressing the underlying issues. It’s in reality a gaslighting of the Nigerian people.

It is imperative for the government to prioritize initiatives that yield meaningful results and alleviate the hardships faced by the populace. True progress can only be achieved through concrete actions that address the root causes of societal challenges. As a concerned citizen, I advocate for a shift towards impactful reforms that lead to tangible improvements in the lives of all Nigerians. Let us move beyond mere symbolism and pursue substantive change that fosters a brighter future for our nation.

Fidelis Duker is Filmmaker and Public Commentator who writes from Calabar