Hunger Protest: A cry for inclusivity and equal rights in Nigeria
By Muhammed Bello Umar
The ongoing protest saga in Nigeria has brought to light the issue of hunger, which is affecting many Nigerians. The protests, which began as a call to end bad governance, have snowballed into a wider outcry against government corruption, poor governance, and economic hardship.
Many Nigerians, especially those in lower-income brackets, have been struggling to make ends meet due to the economic impact of the pandemic (hunger virus) and decades of mismanagement by the government. With the protests shutting down major cities across the country, many businesses have been forced to close, leaving workers without income.
It is important to acknowledge that bigotry and discrimination can exist in any society, including Nigeria. The Nigerian government and its citizens have the responsibility to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal rights for all individuals.
The Nigerian Constitution provides for the protection of fundamental human rights, and it is essential that these rights are upheld and respected in all aspects of democratic practices.
A sharp rise in food prices has compounded the bigotry situation, as the cost of basic food items such as rice, beans, and cooking oil has skyrocketed. This has left many people unable to afford even the most basic necessities.
The government has responded by promising to address the concerns of the protesters and to implement reforms, but many Nigerians remain sceptical. In the meantime, this has made Nigerians keen on the government’s response to current happenings in society.
The hunger virus affecting Nigerians is a symptom of a much larger problem, and the country can only hope to overcome it through sustained efforts to address poverty and inequality.
There are roadblocks to a strong democracy in Nigeria at all levels of government. Conflict—triggered by political competition and communal, ethnic, religious or resource allocation rivalries—poses a major threat to democracy. Corruption pervades the daily lives of Nigerians.
Muhammed Bello Umar wrote via princemub28@gmail.com.