“Our democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected.” President Bola Tinubu addressed Nigerians amid ongoing protests against government and hunger, as opposition leader Sowore called for a continuation of #ENDBADGOVERNMENT and #ENDHUNGER protests on August 5, 2024. Those had ensued over respect for Nigerians’ right to protest, suggesting government could benefit from open social messaging. Tinubu’s purchase of a new presidential jet and Akpabio-led legislature’s approval of SUVs for legislators had harmed mutual messaging earlier.
President Tinubu attempted to calm Nigerians during protests, restating aspirations similar to previous campaigns. He declared “My vision for our country is one of a just and prosperous nation where each person may enjoy the peace, freedom and meaningful livelihood that only democratic good governance can provide.” Albeit Nigeria’s complex socio-political challenges remain persistently scrutinized by analysts and activists.
First off, unshared in meaning social messaging resulted in trust deficit and evolved into the #ENDBANDGOVERNMENT and #ENDHUNGER protests. If both sides shared democratic ideals, Nigeria would retain trust, a cornerstone of governance. Tinubu’s speech recognized timeliness, but lacked clarity. Unlike Buhari, who delayed but earned trust, Tinubu’s approach is questioned by some Nigerians.
Trust reminds leaders to act on promises. Tinubu’s information-driven approach may calm nerves, breed trust and grow social cooperation and cohesion. But activists argue there’s a disconnect between government promises and Nigerians’ lived realities. Aisha Yesufu, a activist and a prominent voice of the 2020 #ENDSARS movement, asserts, “Trust cannot be built on a foundation of broken promises and unfulfilled commitments.” Nigerians feel disillusioned by repeated rhetoric without substantial change.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) statistics illustrate realities with approximately 40% of Nigerians living below the poverty line in 2023. Activists urge the government to alleviate economic hardship beyond rhetoric, warning that without accountability and citizen upliftment, trust in government will erode further.
Amplifying Yesufu’s assertions politician and activist Omoyele Sowore, African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential election candidate emphasizes need for genuine dialogue. “When leaders refuse to listen to the voices of the populace, they create a rift that can lead to unrest.” The insistence on obligatory communication leading to trust underscores the need to avoid popular discontent. Such activists’ counter reactions to Tinubu’s call for dialogue and suspension of protests, while maintaining order, sync with Dr. Ayo Olukotun, renowned Nigerian political scientist, media scholar, and columnist’s submission. “The timing of government responses often lacks the urgency of the crises they address.”
Critics question Tinubu’s revenue claims, citing governance flaws and economic instability, with EFCC sounding skeptical about fund usage even before now. “… we must be able to hold people accountable. If you have spent eight years, four years, even if it is one year… the position you are holding is a position of trust on behalf of all Nigerians. So, what we are simply saying is that when you finish, come, we want you to explain how you spent our common wealth while you are in the office” Despite 9.1 trillion Naira revenue, the public doubts benefits and struggles for economic stability persist.
Analysts stress the need for independent oversight to ensure effective implementation of government initiatives and resource use. The EFCC chairman again agrees, “We need to address the focus of our mandate… use the Commission to drive economic development… for the system to thrive, for the economy to grow, for the society to get better. Therefore, our focus should be geared towards developing the nation for greater benefits”
Where does that leave Tinubu’s position that, “Just over a year ago, our dear country… reached a point where we couldn’t afford … temporary solutions to solve long-term problems …’ So, “On the fiscal side, aggregate government revenues have more than doubled… compared to the first half of 2023.”
The President insists, “Yes, I agree, the buck stops on my table…I am focused fully on delivering the governance… good governance for that matter.” He solicits, “Let nobody misinform and miseducate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about you.” Tinubu’s statement implies that balancing security and civil liberties is crucial, as maintaining order can infringe on individual rights.
Human rights organizations caution against security forces’ abuse during protests, urging the government to address root causes of public discontent. And that seem to be the case where, at, ‘… least 22 protesters have been reported killed; injuries include, ‘…at least 175 people injured; arrests up … Over 1,100 protesters have been arrested.’
Nigeria’s diverse community reflects a fragmented national identity; therefore, trust is essential for social cohesion. Effective communication and accountability in leadership and relationships are crucial for fostering unity. Immediate efforts are needed to build and define this trust.
