**Nigeria High Cost of Living Protest: People’s Voices Heard**
In Nigeria, widespread discontent over the persistent and exorbitantly rising cost of living has prompted citizens to take to the streets to protest the dire situation.
The nationwide protest, dubbed #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, is scheduled to run from Thursday, August 1 to Saturday, August 10.
However, some politicians, including Akpabio, have questioned the authenticity of the protests, claiming that individuals who lost the previous year’s elections are planning to seize power through the back door.
Akpabio expressed his fears during a meeting at the State House in Abuja, following the signing into law of the new minimum wage law by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, July 29, 2024.
“Those who probably do not intend to contest the 2023 elections think that they will be able to come to power in a backdoor manner, which would lead to anarchy. It is obvious that the instigators of these protests are operating in a covert and faceless manner. It can be inferred that their intention is to loot and create chaos,” he said.
He also cautioned Nigerian youths not to be politically drawn into dubious groups.
This citizen revolt highlights the daily sufferings of the people in the face of precarious living conditions and growing inequalities. It is imperative that the authorities listen and take into account the demands of the protesters in order to address this socio-economic crisis that is hitting the population hard.
It is crucial for the government to respond to the expectations of Nigerians and put in place concrete measures to improve the living conditions of all citizens. Dialogue and consultation must be prioritized to avoid any escalation of social tension and find lasting solutions to the problems facing the country.
Ultimately, this popular mobilization reflects the will of the people to make their voices heard and demand a better future for all. Nigeria is at a critical juncture and it is essential that leaders demonstrate accountability, transparency and listening to their fellow citizens to build a more just and prosperous future together.