Afrigather 2023 left a bitter style within the mouths of Nigerians. It was a 12 months rife with wrestle, struggling, and skyrocketing costs. The final election noticed President Muhammadu Buhari hand over to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who “gained” in opposition to main rivals like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
Different main occasions included the Central Financial institution Governor Godwin Emefiele’s controversial forex change, which restricted money circulate. Insecurity plagued the east, the place militants enforced “stay-at-home” directives, and the center belt and north, the place bandits, kidnappers, herdsmen, and Boko Haram wreaked havoc.
It was not a peaceable 12 months. Residents felt like puppets manipulated by these in energy, particularly throughout elections, when politicians reworked into Santa Claus, handing out items and cash for votes.
A downward spiral beneath Tinubu
Since President Tinubu took workplace, issues have worsened. Inflation is at an all-time excessive, with petrol reaching 650 Naira per litre in some locations. The Naira has plummeted in opposition to main currencies just like the greenback and pound. Borrowing continues unabated, unemployment lingers, and households wrestle to afford fundamental requirements. Transportation prices have ballooned, making it troublesome for even employed residents to achieve work on time. International firms are abandoning Nigeria because of the bleak financial outlook. Mind drain can be rampant, with professionals in essential fields leaving for higher alternatives overseas, a phenomenon generally known as the “Japa syndrome.”
Dealing with the challenges, charting a brand new course
With these issues plaguing Nigeria, it’s time for a change. We should ask the troublesome however needed query: Is it time for a revolution?
Indicators of dissatisfaction are already current. The Biafran secessionist group exemplifies this, although their tribalistic focus undermines the unity important for a profitable revolution. The “EndSARS” protests demonstrated Nigerians’ skill to unite in opposition to widespread points, tragically short-lived by the Lekki tollgate taking pictures.
Shifting Ahead in 2024
In 2024, Nigerians should turn out to be extra lively of their nation’s affairs. We should maintain the federal government accountable for any discrepancies or lack of due course of. Solely via lively engagement can we construct a greater future for generations to return.
The federal government, in flip, should implement progressive insurance policies to revitalise the financial system, strengthen political establishments, enhance navy effectiveness, and improve overseas relations.
2023 was a bitter 12 months, however 2024 generally is a 12 months of hope and progress. We, the folks of Nigeria, should work collectively to make it so.
