Nigerians, A Defeated People Who Have Lost The Power To Be Outraged, By Elias Ozikpu

The calamitous economic state currently prevailing in Nigeria is unlike anything seen elsewhere in the world and, by all accounts, should not be tolerated. 

Since President Tinubu took office, each day seems to bring with it a new level of economic suffering, with a relentless increase in the prices of essential goods, most notably basic foodstuffs. Yet, the government's response to these dire circumstances has been marked by a troubling indifference. It even goes as far as to rationalize the widespread hardship, asserting that this difficult period is a necessary precursor to future prosperity—a narrative long peddled by politicians, yet consistently unfulfilled.

In an alarming shift, staples like garri, derived from cassava and historically accessible to even the poorest Nigerians, have become prohibitively expensive. Similarly, the price of a 50 CL soft drink, which was N100 before Tinubu’s presidency, has quadrupled, with variations depending on the purchase location. Adding to the populace's burden is the recent petrol scarcity, further escalating the cost of transportation and daily necessities—an issue that became pronounced the day Tinubu assumed office, met with apparent disregard from his administration.

Life in Nigeria has thus become akin to a living hell, worsened by government policies that seem more focused on exacerbating problems than resolving them. What is perhaps most astonishing is the passive acceptance by Nigerians of this dire state of affairs, characterized by an inconceivable and surreal cost of living. The public even reacts with laughter to media reports of soaring petrol prices and the astronomical rise in the cost of cooking gas—indicative of a deep-seated resignation to their plight.

This reaction extends to other areas of governance; arbitrary increases in electricity tariffs and continual revelations of political corruption are met with the same incredulous laughter. Such responses underscore a troubling disconnect: despite the severity of their economic hardships, many Nigerians appear to have accepted these conditions with a fatalistic detachment.

The basic instinct of any living being is survival, yet, faced with existential threats from their own government, many Nigerians have resigned themselves to their fate, often retreating to the notion that "only God can solve our problems." This resignation is puzzling, especially given the democratic process through which they elect their leaders. The act of voting under extreme conditions, only to later defer the resolution of self-inflicted problems to divine intervention, highlights a perplexing contradiction in the societal response to governance.

This passive acceptance suggests that the Nigerian populace has been effectively subdued by a government that operates with seeming impunity, unaccountable to those it serves. This is a dangerous precedent, as it indicates a population that has relinquished its voice and power, setting the stage for governmental overreach and potential societal collapse. A docile citizenry can lead to severe national decline, as evidenced by the current trajectory of Nigerian society.

The deprivation of basic needs, such as access to affordable food, represents a grave injustice against the populace—one of the worst a government can commit. In Tinubu's Nigeria, the situation appears dire, yet the pervasive silence among the citizens only serves to perpetuate and perhaps worsen these conditions. With the government showing little intent to address rampant inflation, essential items like a bag of rice or garri might soon reach exorbitant prices, with no foreseeable repercussions.

The psychological domination of Nigerians by their government is complete, manifesting in a societal paralysis that has accepted unbearable living conditions as the norm. This acceptance has dire implications for the future of the country, signaling a potentially irreversible decline unless there is a significant shift in both governmental policy and public engagement.

In conclusion, the economic crisis in Nigeria, exacerbated by the current administration, represents a profound failure of governance and public response. Without a concerted effort to reclaim their power and voice, Nigerians may continue to suffer under policies that prioritize political expediency over public welfare, leading to a worsening cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement. This is a call to action not just for those in power but for every citizen who has endured and survived under these harsh conditions. The path to a better Nigeria lies in the hands of its people, demanding accountability and striving for a government that truly serves its populace.