Economic downturn: ‘It’s not time for national protests’, socio-political analyst urges Nigerians

Protest is not the next step to address the current economic downturn in Nigeria, says comrade Olanrewaju Ishowo, a socio-political analyst.

Comrade Ishowo said this while reacting to growing calls for demonstrations against the rising inflation that has taken a heavy toll on Nigerians.

In January 2024, Nigeria’s inflation rate for December rose to 28.92% from 28.20% recorded in the previous month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) inflation report.

The increase marks the eleventh consecutive increase in the inflation rate since February 2023.

In reaction to the rising cost of food, transportation, and other services, some Nigerians have been calling for nationwide protests to lodge their worries, while the demand has been realised in Kano and Niger States.

While speaking on the push for national protests to register the citizens’ concerns, comrade Ishowo called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state governors to respond accordingly to the plight of their subjects at this crucial time of economic downturn.

He registered the concerns of Nigerians as he highlighted the soaring cost of living, especially among civil servants, who have been severely affected with no salary increment to match the inflation.

Despite this, the socio-political analyst posited that protests may further harm the country rather than change its direction for good.

He said, “It appears as if the ruling party does not trust itself. They may have done the same (called for protest) while in the opposition yesterday.  I want to urge Nigerians not to go for national protests. Again, the government is giving the wrong impression that it has money in abundance by executing projects that do not have direct impacts on the day-to-day affairs of the lives of the people.

“The people have given you their mandate and it is time to think of how to tackle the challenges facing Nigerians.” He concluded.