In the course of the protests that spanned from August 1 to August 10, one could easily discern the underlying reasons for the unrest. As the saying goes, “for every smoke, there is a fire.” It is essential that leaders recognise that the citizens are not ignorant or irrational. The primary actions they took to go on the protests stemmed from genuine grievances and a deep desire for change. Ignoring these sentiments equates to governmental insensitivity, which ultimately transforms into a ticking time bomb for the future.
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It is both illogical and dangerous for a leader to dismiss a protest in which millions of people participated as being frivolous. To do so is to risk alienating the populace and ensuring one’s eventual downfall. History is replete with examples of leaders who ignored the voices of their citizens, only to face ruin and irrelevance in the end. A good example is Samuel Doe of Liberia. When citizens are engaged in widespread protests, it signals a deep-seated issue within governance, one that must be addressed if a nation is to avoid further unrest and disintegration.
Leaders today must recognise that the current national challenges present a unique opportunity for them to make history. The failures of today could either serve as a catalyst for significant change or be the precursor to a shift in leadership, where more capable and responsive individuals rise to rewrite the wrongs of the present. In this chapter, I will enumerate and discuss the key issues that governments must address to put an end to bad governance, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for the nation.
Understanding the Causes of Bad Governance
At the heart of bad governance lies a disconnect between the government and the governed. This disconnect manifests in various forms, including corruption, lack of accountability, the mismanagement of resources, and the failure to address the basic needs of the populace. The protests were not a result of isolated incidents but were rather a culmination of years of neglect, frustration, and broken promises. As we examine the causes of bad governance, it becomes clear that meaningful reform is essential.
The People’s Demand for Transparency and Accountability
One of the primary demands of the people is transparency and accountability in governance. Nigeria, like many other nations, has been plagued by corruption at the highest levels of government. Public funds meant for development are often siphoned off by those in power, leaving the majority of the population impoverished and without basic amenities. This corruption fuels inequality and stifles growth, leaving citizens feeling disillusioned and marginalised.
For example, the numerous scandals that have rocked Nigeria in recent years—from the misappropriation of funds in the oil sector to the misuse of COVID-19 relief funds and uneven distribution of palliativs after the oil subsidy removal—have only deepened the mistrust between the people and the government. Citizens want leaders who will take responsibility for their actions, introduce stringent anti-corruption measures, and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of all.
The Cry for Social Justice and Equal Opportunities
A significant factor in the unrest is the lack of social justice and equal opportunities. The citizens are tired of a system that benefits a select few while leaving the majority to struggle. Education, healthcare, and employment opportunities are limited, especially for the younger generation, who feel left behind in a country that has failed to invest in their future.
Countries like Finland and Norway have made substantial strides in creating more equitable societies by ensuring free education and healthcare, as well as investing in job creation for the youth. Nigeria must learn from such examples by investing in its human capital and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of background, have access to opportunities that allow them to thrive.
Economic Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation
The protests also highlighted the pressing need for economic empowerment and poverty alleviation. Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources, yet a large percentage of its population lives below the poverty line. The government’s failure to distribute wealth equitably has resulted in widespread poverty and unemployment.
Programmes aimed at alleviating poverty often fail due to corruption, poor implementation, and a lack of continuity between administrations. If Nigeria is to move forward, the government must prioritise economic empowerment initiatives that are transparent, inclusive, and sustainable. This means not only providing financial aid to the most vulnerable but also investing in job creation, skills development, and infrastructural improvements that will foster long-term economic growth.
Security and the Rule of Law
The issue of security is another major concern for the people. Nigeria has been grappling with insecurity for years, with terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping becoming alarmingly frequent. The government’s inability to ensure the safety of its citizens has further eroded public trust. A nation where citizens fear for their lives and property cannot be said to have good governance.
Effective leadership requires the government to strengthen law enforcement agencies, enhance intelligence gathering, and collaborate with communities to tackle the root causes of insecurity. The rule of law must be upheld, and those who commit crimes—whether they are citizens or those in positions of power—must be held accountable.
Respect for Human Rights
One of the most pressing demands of the citizens is the respect for human rights. The excessive use of force by security agencies during protests, as witnessed during the #EndSARS movement, is a stark reminder of the government’s disregard for the basic rights of its citizens. This only fuels public anger and mistrust.
Governments must be committed to protecting the rights of every individual. This includes freedom of speech, the right to peaceful assembly, and the protection of minorities. Nations like Canada and Sweden have demonstrated that respecting human rights and civil liberties is essential to building a fair and just society. Nigeria must follow suit by reforming its police force, ensuring that law enforcement officers are trained in human rights and held accountable for abuses.
The People’s Call for Change
The protests were not just a demand for an end to bad governance, but a call for a complete overhaul of the current system. The people want leaders who are transparent, accountable, and responsive to their needs. They demand economic opportunities, social justice, security, and respect for human rights. Most importantly, they want leaders who will listen to their concerns and act in their best interest.
This moment in Nigeria’s history is pivotal. The current leadership has the opportunity to either listen to the people and implement meaningful reforms or ignore them and face the consequences of continued unrest and instability. The choice is clear: leaders must act now to rebuild trust, restore hope, and create a brighter future for all Nigerians.
Failure to address these issues will only perpetuate bad governance, leading to further discontent and unrest. Leaders must seize this moment, make the necessary changes, and ensure that Nigeria is governed by the principles of fairness, transparency, and justice.