5 Facts of an Uncaring Government

Ese Oghenetega Leading Stories, Politics 07/04/2022

Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Nigeria transcended from military regime into the democratic system of government in 1999. However, the government has since placed more attention on itself than on the people. Hence, thrashing Lincoln’s definition of democracy. Let’s take a look at five instances the Nigerian government has failed to address the issues bedeviling this nation.

Reopening of Lekki Tollgate

Police brutality is a challenge the people face regularly. In order to fight this menace, the people protested and demanded for a right to live freely without fear. However, the infamous #EndSARS protest of October 2020 led to the killing of protesters by Nigerian soldiers at the Lekki Tollgate, Lagos.

This act caused more mayhem in the state as properties were destroyed and some lives, lost. It’s been over a year since the incident happened and the government has not addressed some of the issues the people protested against. However, they are clamoring for the reopening of the Lekki Tollgate which the people have vehemently condemned.

Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu said, “They are reopening this tollgate that has such a painful memory when justice has not been fully given to the victims. The message they are passing is that they have no regard for the lives of Nigerian citizens.” The decision of the government to reopen the tollgate is a slap on the faces of the people who protested for good governance, accountability, and fairness.

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Gagging the voices of the people

Sheikh Nuhu Khalid, founder of Islamic Research and Da’awah Foundation was sacked by the National Assembly Mosque on April 4, 2022 for speaking against the insecurity situation in the Buhari-led country.

Bandits have taken over strategic areas in the country; soldiers are being killed on a norm; and civilians are losing their freedom to terrorists. Sadly, all the government cares about is to gag those who dare to speak up. Sheikh Khalid said he was not given a fair hearing. He added, “When I asked former president Goodluck Jonathan to resign, the sky did not fall. If it’s a sin to ask for a secure Nigeria, I’m ready for hell.”

Increase in price of commodities

In recent times, the price of commodities has skyrocketed. The populace is going through difficult times to meet their basic needs. Although the people voted for “change” in 2015, they were not informed that it was retrogressive change that they would experience. The uncaring attitude of the government has increased the rate of poverty in the country. Shying away from its responsibilities has only proven that the government has never placed the people as a priority.

Unfair treatment of the masses

It is a fact that innocent citizens have been harassed, brutalized, and killed while protesting for their fundamental human rights. Freedom of speech, right to protest, and justice should not be a reoccurring debate in a democracy. Unfortunately, terrorists who are holding the country to ransom are being given amnesty and “rehabilitated” back into the society.

Ahmad Gumi, the self-acclaimed spokesman of the bandits has consistently defended their actions. Meanwhile, the government has never taken an action to caution him. Instead, the government meets the demands of the bandits in a way to reduce their dastardly acts.

Unfilled promises

Buhari made a series of promises while campaigning as president in 2015. After almost two terms in power, it is quite unfortunate that the nation has plunged backwards. The naira has since depreciated and every other sector has not experienced much development. It will be known in history that a leader who once promised to make the lives of the people better, did his “best” which was not good enough.