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A Rallying Cry Against Hunger And Misgovernance — #EndBadGovernance
In the heart of Nigeria, a country blessed with vast arable land and a dynamic youth population, a paradox of profound proportions is unfolding. The nation, once hailed as a beacon of economic potential in Africa, now grapples with escalating hunger, soaring inflation, and rampant instability. As Nigeria’s landscape deteriorates, the dreams of its people hang in the balance, threatened by the very leaders tasked with guiding them toward prosperity.
The #EndBadGovernance Hunger Protest, now in its intense fifth day, stands as a testament to the frustration and desperation of millions. Initiated in response to a series of crippling economic policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the movement seeks to reclaim the narrative of governance from those who have long neglected it.
The catalyst for this nationwide outcry was President Tinubu’s decision to abruptly remove petrol subsidies on May 23, 2023. This single act sent shockwaves through the economy, propelling the price of food to unprecedented heights and stoking an inflation rate that surged to the highest in nearly three decades. By April 2024, the situation worsened with a staggering 240% increase in electricity tariffs, pushing even the middle class into the throes of economic survival.
But the impact of these policies extends beyond empty wallets and rising cost. It seeps into the homes of every Nigerian, where the basic necessities of life— food, medicine, and security— are increasingly out of reach. The price of petrol, a lifeline for the bustling streets of cities like Lagos and Abuja, has skyrocketed from N172.61 in April 2022 to a stagggering N880 per liter by August 2024.
The economic turmoil has not only stifled the average Nigerian but has also sent ripples through the corporate corridors of multinational firms. Companies like Procter & Gamble and Bayer AG have scaled back their operations, citing the harsh economic climate exacerbated by policy missteps. The security crisis in agricultural regions further compounds the issue, with farmers frequently abducted or caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflicts, leaving fertile fields fallow and the nation’s food security in peril.
Yet, amidst these economic shocks, the human cost remains the most harrowing. Amnesty International reports at least 13 young Nigerians have died in clashes with police since the protest began. Each death is a stark reminder of the government’s failure to protect its most valuable asset—its people. Critics like human rights lawyer Femi Falana argue that the government’s response has been not only inadequate but also repressive, focusing on silencing dissent rather than addressing the root causes of discontent.
The protesters, united under the slogan “10 Days of Rage,” demand not only the reversal of these debilitating policies but also a fundamental shift in how the country is governed. They call for a government that listens, empathizes, and acts with the urgency that the crises demand.
As Nigeria stands at this critical juncture, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. Yet, there is hope. The relentless spirit of its youth and the collective voice of its citizens are powerful forces that can drive change. This protest is not merely a response to economic policy but a clarion call for a reimagined governance structure—one that places human dignity and justice at the forefront of its priorities.
Nigeria’s future hinges on the actions taken at this moment. Will it continue down the path of disparity and disillusionment, or will it seize this opportunity to pivot towards a future where governance is synonymous with growth and compassion? The world watches as Nigeria decides.
Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, Esq., is a distinguished lawyer and minister, currently serving as the President of the Diaspora Alliance, US, and as the Coordinator of the National Rescue Congress. Pastor Ihim can be reached for inquiries, collaborations, or further discussion at +1 (817) 262-8885 or +1 (202) 446-7555. Emails can be directed to nationalrescuecongress@gmail.com
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Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting
Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting
Two students were killed and nine others injured after a gunman opened fire at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, police said.
Authorities have detained a person of interest in his 20s, who is now cooperating with investigators.
The attack occurred around 4:00 p.m. local time (21:00 GMT) at the Holley Engineering Building on the eastern end of the university campus.
Police said the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that all those affected, including the deceased, were students.
In a statement on Sunday, Paxson said parts of the campus remained restricted as police continued investigations.
She added that around 2,000 students were relocated to safe locations overnight and expressed gratitude to local residents who opened their homes to students.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said seven of the injured students were in stable condition, one was critical, and another had been discharged.
The mayor, who visited victims and their families in hospital, described their courage as “overwhelming” and confirmed that the shelter-in-place order issued earlier had been lifted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the suspect was detained at a hotel in Coventry early Sunday morning based on a lead from Providence Police.
Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed that officers were no longer searching for additional suspects and were working closely with prosecutors to collect evidence.
President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, expressed sympathy for the families of the two deceased students and wished a speedy recovery for the nine injured.
The shooting brings the number of mass shootings in the United States in 2025 to 389, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as incidents with four or more victims killed or injured, not including the attacker.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues, while a vigil is scheduled for Sunday evening to support the Brown University community.
News
Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting
Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting
A mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Saturday left 15 people dead, including a child aged 10, during a Hanukkah celebration. Authorities are treating the incident as a terror attack.
Police confirmed the shooters were a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son.
The father died at the scene, while the son remains in critical condition.
The 50-year-old was a licensed firearms holder; six guns and two improvised devices were recovered from the site.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack “an act of pure evil”, saying it deliberately targeted the Jewish community, and promised full resources to support the investigation and combat antisemitism.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said quick response, informed by last year’s Bondi stabbing, helped save lives.
328 officers have been deployed to protect Sydney’s Jewish community, while two properties in western Sydney were searched overnight.
Among the victims was British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with some saying the gunfire felt like it lasted “an eternity.”
Authorities continue to investigate the attack as Australians reel from the tragedy.
News
Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria
Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria
President Donald Trump has pledged a “very serious retaliation” after an ambush in central Syria on Saturday, killing two U.S. service members and one American civilian interpreter, an attack the United States blames on the Islamic State (ISIS) group.
In a statement and social‑media post, Trump described the assault near Palmyra—a region still volatile and not fully controlled by the Syrian government—as “an ISIS attack against the U.S. and Syria.”
He mourned the three victims as “great American patriots” and confirmed that three other U.S. soldiers wounded in the attack are recovering.
Speaking from the White House before departing for a public event, the president said he expected a firm U.S. response, noting that there will be “very serious retaliation” against ISIS and any group that targets American forces.
Trump noted that Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, whose government has been cooperating with U.S. forces in counter‑terrorism operations, was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the incident.
The ambush occurred as U.S. troops were engaged in a counter‑terrorism mission alongside Syrian partners; the suspected attacker was killed by coalition forces, U.S. Central Command said.
The identities and units of the deceased are being withheld pending family notification.
Defense officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, echoed Trump’s stance, issuing stark warnings that the U.S. will pursue individuals or groups that target Americans.
The U.S. maintains a force of around 900 troops in Syria as part of ongoing operations against ISIS remnants, despite the group’s loss of territorial control years earlier.
The attack is the first fatal incident involving U.S. personnel in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, highlighting persistent security challenges and raising questions about the future scope of U.S. military engagement in the region.
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