Ozioma L. Ebirim
"Subsidy is gone!" bellowed the 16th President of Nigeria, and with that reckless proclamation, he plunged the nation into a pit of despair. That one statement ignited a firestorm of fear and uncertainty, marking the onset of our collective suffering in Nigeria. The force behind his words, the authority he wielded, sent icy chills through the hearts of Nigerians. Few even bothered to listen to the rest of his speech; the nation stood frozen, wearing a mask of hopelessness. The oppressive silence echoed across the land, a haunting reminder of the tears, sorrow, and blood that followed. Life has spiraled into misery since that fateful inaugural day of May 29, 2023.
Some claim we signed up for this, but is that really the case? This statement unleashed a torrent of hopelessness and despair upon the people, and let's be honest-the current government has certainly lived up to its dreadful reputation.
We were promised that removing the subsidy would stabilize the economy, yet here we are, still waiting for that miracle. Fuel prices have skyrocketed, and with them, the cost of living has become unbearable. This is a cruelty too many to endure. How can we adjust to this inhumanity? The government must slash its expenses to meet the needs of the people. Basic staples, once taken for granted, have now become luxuries. Kidnappings, murders, and all sorts of atrocities have only worsened the already dire situation. While citizens struggle with the worst cost of living in years, the government piles on new taxes, deepening our misery and frustration.
Taxes are supposed to be the lifeblood of the government, funding essential services like roads, schools, and hospitals. In developed nations, taxes are used as intended, and citizens understand their role in societal improvement. They see taxes not as a burden but as a necessary contribution to the common good. In a well-organized society, taxes help redistribute wealth and promote equality. But in Nigeria? It’s a different story. Citizens pay taxes without seeing any return. They toil under the scorching sun, yet receive no relief. They cry out in pain, but their pleas fall on deaf ears.
The current government didn't even let Nigerians catch their breath before bombarding them with a barrage of new tariffs. The president wasted no time slapping on new taxes while people go to bed hungry, with no hope for tomorrow. Nigerians voiced their concerns that the removal of the fuel subsidy was too abrupt, arguing for a more gradual approach. The reckless behavior leading up to this announcement was utterly irresponsible.
In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved a staggering 240% increase for Band A customers. This outrageous hike incited outrage among subscribers, further revealing the government's blatant insensitivity. Meanwhile, the government flaunts its wealth, acquiring a $100 million Airbus A330 business jet while citizens suffer. Isn't it shocking that the Senate president denied the Senate's approval for this extravagant purchase when it became public? Yet, the acquisition went through. A government feasting on the nation's resources while telling its citizens to be patient.
Professor Farooq A. Kperogi hit the nail on the head when he stated, "If President Tinubu and members of this government are serious about 'sacrificing' because Nigeria is 'broke,' they should first give up their own 'subsidies.' There is neither honor nor dignity in being the overfed father of starving children." The sad reality is that Nigerians have lost all trust in this government; its sincerity is in question. How can one explain the grotesque act of acquiring a new presidential jet while the nation grieves? How can a government be so utterly insensitive? What happened to revising economic policies to address the cries of Nigerians who have taken to the streets in protest against the skyrocketing cost of living? People might accept taxes or harsh economic measures if they believed the government had their best interests at heart, but as it stands, even infants feel betrayed by the heartlessness of these leaders.
The endless levies and tariffs are nothing but salt in the wound. Even those who wish to 'Japa' may have to wait, with passport fees set to rise on September 1, 2024.
Nigerians deserve better governance and fair resource allocation; after all, it's their money, and they have every right to know where it's going. They are willing to pay their fair share, but the government's lack of accountability and transparency is infuriating. From the looks of it, citizens will have to brace themselves for ongoing suffering until their tormentors finally face the consequences of their actions.
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