…YiagaAfrica Demands Renegotiation of Social Contract with Citizens There were protests across the country as Nigerians on Democracy Day as Nigerians trooped to the streets to protest against hunger and excruciating hardship, and to demand the reversal of some of the policies implemented by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In Lagos, the protests started from
…YiagaAfrica Demands Renegotiation of Social Contract with Citizens
There were protests across the country as Nigerians on Democracy Day as Nigerians trooped to the streets to protest against hunger and excruciating hardship, and to demand the reversal of some of the policies implemented by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In Lagos, the protests started from under the bridge in Ikeja, before spreading to different parts of the State. There were similar protests in some other states as demonstrators were spotted carrying signs and banners that included demands such as “Let the poor breathe, this hunger is too much,” “We are hungry,” and “Resist all anti-mass policies, President Tinubu.”
The peaceful protests in Lagos had earlier received some pushback from security operatives who warned the protesters not to engage in such actions because they could disrupt law and order in the country, an advice that the protest organisers ignored.
Meanwhile, security agents from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, operatives from the Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services were seen around the protesters in Lagos. Adegoke Fayoade, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, was also present to coordinate security operations surrounding the agitators.
In an interview with the media, the Commissioner of Police said that the police would never end a peaceful protest in the state, citing his presence as a means of defending all citizens, including the demonstrators. “We are celebrating June 12, and we want it to be peaceful, police have not stopped anyone from protesting as long as it will be quiet and further promote democracy, he said.
Stating the reason for the protest, Hassan Taiwo Soweto, one of the organisers of the protest and the national coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign, explained that the protest was held despite the presence of heavy security because of the economic hardship that has pervaded the country due to the removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the nation’s currency.
“We are out as hungry Nigerians who are fed up with the condition of hardship that the Tinubu regime has foisted on us since May 29 last year, it has been one year of excruciating pains and hunger as a direct product of the anti-poor and neoliberal policy of the government. On May 29 last year, the Tinubu government removed the fuel subsidy and the price of petroleum skyrocketed, at the same time, they devalued the Naira and also increased the electricity tariff. The combination of all of these policies is why we are here because, between last year and now, the crisis facing Nigeria has increased by a thousandfold.”
Also speaking, a passerby who joined the protest, and simply identified himself as Sola said he joined the protest because of the high cost of food in the country, adding that it is difficult for an average person to feed themselves in the current economic situation.
“A half of Derica of Garri is four hundred Naira, pure water is a hundred Naira, and other things you will use to drink Garri are also expensive; there is no way you will not spend N1000 before you can drink ordinary in this country. I joined the protest because we are all affected by the hunger in the country, we can’t continue like this, it is getting too much,” he lamented
Another protester, Funmi, Jolade-Ajayi, said the current government is hell-bent on its policies despite the effect on the Nigerians, adding that the cost of food has created hunger in the country, calling on the leadership of the country to intervene.
Protesters Arrested in Oyo
The protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, focused on similar issues such as hunger, the nation’s economic hardship, the reversal of the electricity tariff hike, and the cessation of attacks on press freedom, among other things.
However, there was a report of the arrest of some of the protesters who were carrying placards to express themselves around the Mokola roundabout of the city by the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
While speaking with NDR, Femi Adeyeye, one of the protesters said the arrested protesters were not violent as the protest was peaceful, adding that their demands were for the government to end hunger in the country as people and businesses can no longer thrive due to the policies of the government.
Osun State
Also in Osun State, protesters were seen at Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital, protesting the excruciating pains of Nigerians. The protesters who carried the banner bearing the picture of the winner of the annulled general election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, were singing on the streets, asking the government to bring down the cost of food in the country.
Victor Lijofi, one of the protesters in the state, decried the celebration of democracy day when the citizens are yet to receive the dividends of democracy. He lamented that the government must rise to the occasion by making life hard for the workers in the country.
“Today is Democracy Day, and we are not enjoying the dividend due to the greed of the political office holders, they make laws that put the masses in discomfort while they amass wealth for themselves. The government must provide a living wage, not a minimum wage to the workers.
“And that’s why our demands in today’s protest were clear, cut the cost of governance, let the poor enjoy the dividends of democracy, and give freedom of information by releasing all the journalists who have been arrested and political prisoners. That is what we want nothing else,” he said.
YiagaAfrica Demands Renegotiation Of Social Compact With Citizens
In another development, YiagaAfrica, a civil society organisation, in its democracy day statement called for a commitment to democratic practices while demanding the negotiation of a new social contract between the government and the citizens, stating that democracy can only thrive when human rights and civil liberties are respected; the rule of law is upheld, press freedom is protected, an independent judiciary exists, and citizens participate.
A statement by the Executive Director of the organisation, Samson Itodo, reflected on the commitment of the Nigerian people to democratic ethos and principles, including the courage, resilience, and patriotism that transcends demography, geography, ethnicity, and religion.
He explained that despite citizens’ commitment to good democracy, trust in government institutions has continued to decline and that a social contract can restore lost trust in the government. He added that this includes transparency, accountability, and responsiveness of the government to the people.
“Renegotiating the social compact can create a more inclusive society with equal opportunities and access to resources for all. It can also emphasize shared values and responsibilities, fostering community and solidarity among citizens. This is crucial for addressing collective challenges such as public health crises, security threats, economic depression, political exclusion, and social cohesion. After 25 years, it is clear that Nigeria needs to build a more resilient, equitable, and just society.”, the statement reads.
Mr Itodo further called “on all stakeholders – government, political parties, civil society, and the private sector – to negotiate a new social compact with citizens. This social compact should aim to achieve the following objectives:
Improve social conditions through wealth redistribution, job creation, and food security. Safeguard the right to vote and respect choices expressed through the ballot.
Strengthen local governance by devolving powers to local governments, promoting local democracy, and enabling citizen participation. “Deepen public accountability and ensure consequences for breaches of public trust. Protect human rights and civil liberties, especially press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly.
As we look to the future, we call for a recommitment to democratic ethos and principles. This entails:
“Strengthening Institutions: Reinforcing the independence and capacity of democratic institutions, including INEC, the judiciary, and anti-corruption bodies, to operate without fear or favor.
“Promoting political education: Enhancing political education to empower citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively participate in the democratic process especially holding public leaders to account for the power they hold in trust for the people fostering dialogue and collaboration: Encouraging dialogue and collaboration among political actors, civil society, and the private sector to address common challenges and build a more inclusive democracy.
“Protecting human Rights: Upholding and protecting the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians, ensuring that every citizen can freely express their views, assemble, and participate in the political process without fear of retribution”, he concluded.
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