Unveiling the Growing Resentment Towards President Tinubu: An In-Depth Analysis

By Samuel Ateh Stephen
stevesam644@gmail.com

Introduction
President Tinubu of Nigeria has recently faced significant public backlash and protests characterized by intense resentment and dissatisfaction. This article delves into the reasons behind this widespread discontent, focusing on the underlying issues that have led to a polarized public sentiment.

The Core of the Issue: Mismanagement and Insensitivity
President Tinubu’s presidency has been marked by several controversial decisions and actions that have directly impacted the lives of ordinary Nigerians. The primary source of public resentment stems from the perceived worsening of their living conditions under his leadership, rather than political or electoral outcomes.

Economic Policies and Living Standards

1. Petrol Subsidy Removal and Its Impact

Immediate Economic Consequences: Rising Fuel Prices: The removal of petrol subsidies has led to a significant increase in fuel prices, affecting transportation costs and raising the prices of essential goods and services. This has made it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to maintain their standard of living.

Impact on the Poor and Middle Classes: The poor and middle classes, who spend a larger portion of their income on basic necessities, have been disproportionately affected. Many are struggling to afford even the most essential items, leading to a decline in their quality of life.

Long-term Economic Implications:

Fund Allocation: The government’s intention to free up funds for other areas of the economy through subsidy removal has not been transparent or effectively communicated, leading to a loss of trust in the government’s economic policies.

Economic Stability: The sharp increase in fuel prices has contributed to economic instability, with higher inflation rates eroding the value of salaries and savings, creating a sense of economic uncertainty.

2. Inflation and Cost of Living

Erosion of Purchasing Power:
Minimum Wage Increase by Tinubu: In 2024, President Tinubu increased the national minimum wage for federal workers in Nigeria to 70,000 Nigerian naira (NGN), which equaled about 44 U.S. dollars based on the current exchange rate. However, this increase did not match the rate of inflation, leading to a decline in real purchasing power.

Comparison to Previous Wage: Prior to Tinubu’s presidency, in 2023, the minimum wage was N30,000, which equaled 65 U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of 460.702 (USD/NGN) in May 2023. Despite the nominal increase in the minimum wage, the real value had diminished due to inflation and a weakening currency.

Impact on Living Standards: The increased minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation, leaving many households financially strained. The cost of basic goods and services has risen sharply, making it increasingly difficult for average Nigerians to afford even the most essential items. This has led to a decline in the overall quality of life for many Nigerians.

Poverty and Inequality:
The combination of high inflation and stagnant wages has exacerbated poverty and income inequality. Many Nigerians are finding it increasingly challenging to cover their basic needs, leading to a sense of desperation and frustration. The gap between the rich and the poor has widened, contributing to social unrest and dissatisfaction with the government.

Healthcare and Education:
The rising cost of living has also affected access to essential services like healthcare and education. Many families are now forced to make difficult choices between meeting their basic needs and investing in their health and education. This has led to a decline in the overall quality of life for many Nigerians.

Social Safety Nets:
The lack of effective social safety nets has further compounded the problem. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, the unemployed, and those living in poverty, are particularly affected. The government’s failure to provide adequate support has left these groups in a precarious situation, deepening the sense of economic insecurity.

Government Expenditure and Priorities (Luxurious Spending)

Presidential Jet: The purchase of a $150 million presidential jet has been widely criticized as an extravagant and insensitive move, especially given the economic hardships faced by the public.

First Lady’s Office: The allocation of billions of naira for the office of the First Lady has also fueled public anger, as these funds could have been better utilized to improve public services and infrastructure.

Pilgrimage Funding: The budget of 90 billion naira for pilgrimage, described as a “fruitless pilgrimage,” has been criticized as wasteful, especially considering the pressing needs of the Nigerian population.

Lack of Empathy and Communication

Inconsiderate Actions:
The president’s decisions, such as using 21 billion naira to renovate the residence of his vice president, have been seen as inconsiderate and wasteful, further alienating the public.

Poor Communication:
President Tinubu’s failure to directly address the public and explain his policies has deepened the sense of mistrust and frustration. The use of intermediaries to communicate with the public has been perceived as a lack of genuine concern and engagement.

Public Protests and the Call for Change
The public protests against President Tinubu are not merely symbolic; they represent a collective demand for better governance and a more compassionate leadership. Nigerians are voicing their discontent through demonstrations, highlighting their struggles and calling for immediate action to improve their living conditions.

The Way Forward: Rebuilding Trust and Addressing Core Issues
To regain public trust and stabilize his presidency, President Tinubu must take concrete steps to address the root causes of the public’s discontent. This includes:

Revisiting Economic Policies: Re-evaluating the removal of petrol subsidies and finding more equitable ways to manage the economy, ensuring that the benefits trickle down to the masses.

Prioritizing Public Welfare: Redirecting government spending towards critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which directly impact the quality of life for Nigerians.

Enhancing Communication and Transparency: Engaging more openly with the public, explaining policy decisions, and listening to their concerns. Transparency in governance can help rebuild trust and foster a more collaborative relationship between the government and its citizens.

Conclusion
The level of resentment towards President Tinubu is a reflection of the deep-seated economic and social challenges facing Nigeria. It underscores the urgent need for a leadership that is responsive, empathetic, and committed to the welfare of its people. By addressing these core issues and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society, President Tinubu can begin to mend the fractured relationship with the Nigerian public and steer the nation towards a brighter future.

EndBadGovernance Protest Intensifies, Security Forces Confront Protesters Across Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – The #EndBadGovernance protest, which has swept across Nigeria, escalated on its second day as security forces clashed with demonstrators in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. In Lagos, thugs menacingly threatened to behead protesters and journalists, while police officers looked on. Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, protesters converged at the Federal Secretariat area.

At the Ojota protest grounds in Lagos, activist Zokira Ibeh detailed the escalating situation to Middle Belt Times: “We gathered here as early as 7 a.m. Initially, it was peaceful until about 20 thugs arrived, causing a surge in tension. They explicitly threatened to behead me and a media person. It’s crucial to note that the Police, who are duty-bound to protect us during this peaceful protest, were present but did nothing as thugs disrupted our demonstration.”

In contrast, Ibadan, Oyo State, has thus far remained relatively calm, with businesses resuming operations.

In Abuja, a contingent of heavily armed Nigerian Police officers forcibly dispersed a group of protesters near Berger Bridge. The protesters, chanting “Hunger dey oo, hunger dey ooo” (There’s hunger, there’s hunger), were met with tear gas and forceful dispersal by the officers. Passers-by and motorists, caught off-guard, criticized the police for their heavy-handed approach.

As the protest continues, the situation remains volatile, with calls for an end to bad governance echoing across the nation amid growing concerns over the safety of protesters and the role of law enforcement in maintaining public order.

Middle Belt Forum’s Caution on Kaduna Protest Vindicated as Hoodlums Vandalize Government Offices

Kaduna, Nigeria – Following the recent incidents of vandalism and looting during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kaduna State, the earlier advisory by the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State chapter, urging Middle Belt youths to refrain from participating in the protest appears prescient. The MBF had expressed concerns that the protest, aimed at addressing governance issues, could be exploited by unknown sponsors for ulterior motives, as reported by the Middle Belt Times on July 24, 2024.

The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that hoodlums vandalized the offices of the State Traffic and Law Environmental Authority (KASTLEA) and the Investment Promotions Agency (KADIPA) during the protest. Additionally, an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was set ablaze, and numerous shops were looted. Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that 23 suspects have been detained in connection with these incidents.

Hassan also noted that while police personnel did not use live ammunition, they resorted to tear gas to disperse the crowd, which attempted to breach the Government House. Several officers sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals.

The MBF’s earlier statement, cautioning against the involvement of Middle Belt youths in the protest, highlighted potential security risks and the possibility of foreign elements escalating the situation into violence. This foresight has been validated by the events that unfolded, underscoring the importance of strategic caution in public demonstrations.

As the situation in Kaduna State continues to unfold, the MBF’s stance serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and unity among residents to safeguard their welfare and the integrity of their collective voice against governance challenges.

For further details on the MBF’s initial advisory, please refer to the original report published by the Middle Belt Times at Middle Belt Times Article.

 One Person Allegedly Shot Dead on Live Video as Violent Clashes Erupt During Protest in Kaduna State

A shocking video has surfaced on social media, showing a person being shot dead during violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Kaduna State. The video, retrieved by a Twitter user, captures the chaotic scene as tensions escalate near the government house.

The protest, which began peacefully in the morning around the NEPA roundabout, quickly turned violent as police officers fired on demonstrators to disperse the crowd. Tear gas filled the air, and reports indicate that at least two protesters were injured, with one feared dead after being hit by a bullet. The police also reported that one of their officers was injured during the confrontation.

The protesters had gathered in large numbers to voice their dissatisfaction with government policies and programs. However, the demonstration was hijacked by some hoodlums, leading to the violent clashes witnessed at the government house.

As the situation unfolded, smoke filled the air, and tires were set ablaze by the protesters. Security operatives, including armed forces personnel, were deployed to the scene to maintain order and disperse the violent crowd.

In a statement, the police revealed that they had received intelligence about some individuals attempting to hijack the protest. They mentioned that members of a prescribed organization and other hoodlums had infiltrated the demonstration, aiming to create violence and potentially destroy public property.

Police Fire on Hunger Protesters in Nyanya

According to reports, police personnel assigned to protect the rights of protesters have allegedly opened fire on the demonstrators in Nyanya.

The Middle Belt Times has learned that the protesters, defying threats from the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who stated that the FCT would not be available for the protest, gathered in large numbers to participate in the demonstration.

The protest, which commenced at approximately eight o’clock in the morning, turned violent after the police fired gunshots in an attempt to disperse the protesters.

The Middle Belt Times is unable to confirm whether any protesters were injured or killed by the police during the incident.

Police Clash with Hunger Protesters in Borno, Injuring Multiple Demonstrators

In a recent incident, at least two individuals have reportedly sustained injuries following a confrontation between police officers from the Borno Police Command and a group of protesters voicing their dissatisfaction with federal and state government policies and programs in the region.

One of the injured protesters is feared to have died after being struck by tear gas canisters fired by the police in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators in the Bulunkutu area of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

According to reports, the police resorted to using tear gas canisters and live ammunition against the protesters after all attempts to persuade them to vacate the area were unsuccessful.

The demonstrators had gathered at the location to protest the ongoing hunger crisis in the country.

This incident involving the protesters occurred shortly after a separate attack by a suicide bomber at a market in the state, which resulted in the deaths of over 17 people.

Further details are forthcoming.

Deadly Suicide Bombing Strikes Night Market in Borno State

A night market in Kauri, a rural community within the Konduga district of Borno State, North East Nigeria, was the scene of a devastating attack when a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber detonated an explosive device.

The explosion took place at approximately 9 pm on Wednesday, July 31, in the bustling market area that operates during the night. The market, frequented by numerous locals, is situated along the Bama-Maiduguri road and has been a frequent target of Boko Haram attacks. This latest incident marks yet another in a series of assaults on the vulnerable communities in the region.

According to local sources, the attack resulted in multiple casualties. A police officer and a woman were among those killed, while two patrol vans were set on fire. A government official from the village reported that the bomb detonated at 8:05 pm in a local tea joint where villagers often gathered for evening conversations. Dozens of people were also injured in the blast.

“It is unclear exactly how the attack unfolded, but we suspect that the bomb was planted rather than being a suicide attack. We found the bodies of 19 people, with an unspecified number of civilians injured. The injured were transported to an undisclosed hospital in Maiduguri for treatment,” a source told Daily Trust on condition of anonymity.

This tragic event occurred just 24 hours after an Accountant working with the Local Education Authority in Damboa Local Government Area, Shettima Mustapha, was killed when his vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu highway in Borno.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Daso, for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable at the time of reporting.

The attack comes as a nationwide protest is set to take place, with the government expressing concerns that such demonstrations could be exploited by criminals and terrorists.

As of the time of reporting, Middle Belt Times has not received an official statement regarding the incident, and authorities have yet to confirm the number of fatalities.

In a related development, Vanguard reported on Wednesday that a senior Accounting Officer from the Education Department of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, Shettima Mustapha, was killed along with another victim whose leg had to be amputated, and several others injured. This incident occurred when their vehicle encountered an IED planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu 185 km expressway.

Beyond the Backlash: Unpacking Kenneth Okonkwo’s Critical Insights on Peter Obi’s Leadership

By Samuel Ateh Stephen
stevesam644@gmail.com

In the wake of Kenneth Okonkwo’s public expression of concerns about Peter Obi’s leadership and vision, many were quick to pounce on his statements, often without delving deeply into the substance of his criticisms. Okonkwo, a notable figure within the Labor Party, found himself under immediate scrutiny and, in some cases, outright attack for voicing his reservations.

Here Are The Key Concerns Raised by Kenneth Okonkwo Regarding Peter Obi From Interview On Arise News:

Lack of Decisiveness: Okonkwo believes that Peter Obi has not been decisive enough in handling the internal issues within the Labor Party. Specifically, he points to the failure of the National Working Committee (NWC) to organize an all-inclusive convention, despite Obi’s public declaration that the convention should not hold. Okonkwo feels that Obi should have taken more forceful action to address this issue, such as coming down decisively against the NWC for disobeying his instructions.

Building a Strong Political Party: Okonkwo is concerned that Peter Obi does not place a high enough priority on building a strong and broad-based political party. He argues that in order to compete effectively against an incumbent in future elections, the Labor Party needs to be consolidated and strengthened. Okonkwo believes that Obi’s approach does not sufficiently emphasize the importance of a robust political platform.

Integration of the Obedient Movement: Okonkwo is disappointed that Peter Obi does not see the strategic value in integrating the Obedient Movement, a group of supporters, into the Labor Party. He believes that bringing these supporters into the party would significantly strengthen it and create a more formidable political force. Okonkwo advocates for this integration as a way to solidify the party’s base.

Approach to Electoral Challenges: Okonkwo has expressed concern over Peter Obi’s approach to dealing with electoral challenges, such as alleged vote rigging and other forms of electoral malpractice. He believes that Obi’s tendency to be “sweet” and non-confrontational may not be effective in fighting against these injustices. Okonkwo feels that a more aggressive stance is necessary to combat electoral fraud and ensure that the party’s victories are secured.

Resistance and Protest: Okonkwo feels that Obi’s nature does not align with the need for strong resistance and protest against the current political order. He advocates for a more aggressive stance to combat the perceived kleptocracy and corruption in Nigerian politics.

Leadership Style: Okonkwo has noted a difference in temperament and leadership style between himself and Obi. He describes Obi as a “sweet man” who wants to appear sweet to everyone, while Okonkwo believes in a balance of sweetness and firmness to prevent being taken advantage of.
Vision for Nigeria: Okonkwo is concerned that Obi’s vision for Nigeria does not include the necessary steps to build a solid political foundation. He believes that solving Nigeria’s problems requires more than just addressing symptoms; it requires a strong political party to support and sustain any positive changes.

While Kenneth Okonkwo’s public critique of Peter Obi’s leadership and vision sparked immediate controversy, a closer examination of his concerns reveals a thoughtful and strategic perspective on the future of the Labor Party and Nigeria. The initial backlash, often dismissive and reactive, overshadowed the nuanced issues Okonkwo raised, which touch on the core of effective governance, party strength, and national progress.

Middle Belt Youths Abstain from Upcoming Hunger Protest

The Middle Belt youths have decided to withdraw from the planned nationwide hunger protest, according to a recent announcement.

The North Central Youth Council, representing the youths, has called on the Federal Government to take action against the escalating cost of living in Nigeria.

Originally slated for August 1 to 10, the protest was intended to address the economic hardships faced by citizens across the nation.

In a press conference held on Tuesday in Abuja, the National President of the group, Sunday Asuku, expressed that the protest would not effectively resolve the issues plaguing the country.

Despite acknowledging the challenging economic conditions, Asuku encouraged all Nigerians to rally behind the government to ensure its success.

He stated, “Given the current circumstances, the leadership of the North Central Youth Council formally disassociates itself from the proposed national protest, as it is unlikely to alleviate the self-inflicted challenges we face as a nation.

“We recognize the difficulties our country is enduring, and we advocate for a united front in supporting the government’s efforts, while we continue to work, pray, and hope for a brighter future for Nigeria.

Asuku advised youths from the North Central region against participating in the protests, citing the precarious state of the nation.

He emphasized, “All indigenous youths from the North Central region of Nigeria are hereby advised and cautioned against joining any protest related to hunger, insecurity, or any other issue, particularly during this tense and fragile period. Any action that threatens our peaceful coexistence as a nation must be resolutely opposed.”

He also urged the government to tackle the increasing cost of living in the country.

Asuku noted, “While we acknowledge and appreciate the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy, we passionately appeal for additional measures to combat the rising costs of living.

“We will continue to scrutinize the activities of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure they are not undermining the government’s efforts for personal gain. The North Central Youth Council is committed to exposing any such actions immediately.”

Middle Belt Forum Kaduna Urges Youth to Avoid Planned Protest Amid Security Concerns

The Kaduna State chapter of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has urged young residents from the Middle Belt to avoid participating in the proposed protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The MBF expressed concerns that the protest, initially intended to address security and safety issues, could be manipulated by unidentified sponsors to achieve their own ends.

In a statement following an executive meeting, Mr. Yusuf Solomon Danbaki, the Public Relations Officer for the MBF Kaduna, highlighted that while peaceful demonstrations are a legitimate means to address the nation’s current hardships and to attract government attention, the involvement of potentially violent foreign elements poses significant security risks.

Danbaki emphasized that the Middle Belt youths, renowned for their orderly and disciplined conduct, should not be linked with any inappropriate actions. He noted that the current security situation has been communicated to Dr. Bitrus Pogu, the National President of the MBF, who is currently collating information from other Middle Belt states before issuing a formal stance on behalf of the entire region.

Reports from the executive committee suggest that individuals from neighboring northern countries have already arrived in Kaduna State, potentially intending to escalate the demonstration into violence. This development, according to Danbaki, could undermine the safety of the event and dilute its intended message.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity among Middle Belt residents in Kaduna State, emphasizing the need for a collective front to promote their welfare, the advancement of Kaduna State, and the overall development of Nigeria.