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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
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 44 (April 28 – May 4, 2025)
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The world is abuzz with breaking news, and the 44th edition of Diaspora Watch is your passport to the most critical global developments. From the hallowed halls of the Vatican to the bustling streets of Geneva, our spotlight shines bright on the stories that matter most.
Witness the high-stakes diplomatic dance between the US and Iran, as they hold new talks in Oman amid a push for a nuclear deal. Meanwhile, in Rome, hundreds of thousands pay their respects to Pope Francis, while Trump and Zelensky hold a pivotal meeting at the Vatican.
In Sudan, the crisis deepens as displaced people resort to eating leaves and charcoal to survive. The world watches with bated breath as the situation unfolds.
California has overtaken Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy, while the threat of crypto investment scams looms large, with $5.8 billion lost in 2024 alone.
Oluwatobiloba Amusan returns to action in the Xiamen Diamond League, and the world waits with anticipation for the selection of a new Pope. Who will be the next leader of the Catholic Church?
The Caribbean Investment Summit in Antigua brings together leaders and investors, while Qatar’s aviation scholarships and training opportunities are a beacon of hope for CARICOM citizens.
These and many more are for your reading pleasure. Dive into the 44th edition of Diaspora Watch and stay informed about the stories shaping our world.
Top negotiators from the United States and Iran are set to meet again in Oman on Saturday, aiming to make progress towards a new agreement that would curb Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear programme.
The meeting will involve Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who will negotiate indirectly through Omani mediators.
The talks follow a productive round of discussions in Rome last week, which both sides described as constructive.
The new discussions are expected to begin at expert level, with the aim of setting the stage for direct talks between the two lead negotiators.
US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in securing a deal, saying: “I think we’re going to make a deal with Iran.”
However, significant differences remain over the nuclear dispute, which has persisted for over two decades.
The US has withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers and imposed a stringent “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran, reimposing crippling sanctions. In response, Iran has breached the terms of the pact, particularly in its nuclear activities.
Iran has accelerated its uranium enrichment, reaching up to 60% purity, a significant step towards the 90% purity required for weapons-grade uranium.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that a new deal would require Iran to cease all uranium enrichment and import any enriched uranium it needs for its Bushehr nuclear power plant.
However, Tehran is unwilling to make such concessions, insisting that ending its enrichment programme or surrendering its enriched uranium stockpiles are “red lines” that cannot be crossed.
Iranian officials have stated that their country will consider negotiating some limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.
The talks have also highlighted concerns over Iran’s missile programme, which Tehran insists is non-negotiable.
An Iranian official said that Tehran views its missile programme as an even greater obstacle to reaching an agreement than its nuclear work.
The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for regional and global security, and it remains to be seen whether the two sides can find common ground.
A successful deal would not only benefit the two countries but also contribute to regional and global stability.
Prime Minister of Grenada, Honourable Dickon Mitchell, attended the 2025 Caribbean Investment Summit (CIS25) in Antigua and Barbuda.
The summit, themed “Integrity. Stability. Sustainability — CBI Pathway to Economic Prosperity,” provided a platform for regional leaders to discuss investment strategies and economic development.
During the Stakeholder Impact Session, “Adapting to the New Regulatory Era,” the Prime Minister engaged with other Caribbean leaders, Heads of Citizenship by Investment Units (CIUs), and senior officials on strengthening the region’s investment ecosystem.
The session focused on advancing the summit’s core pillars of integrity, stability, sustainability, and economic prosperity.
A closed-door meeting followed, where Prime Ministers, CIU Heads, and the Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC) deliberated on regional investment and development strategies.
The summit aimed to foster collaboration and drive economic growth in the Caribbean region.
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 44
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