By Divramredje Lawrence Efeturi
The ongoing “Days of Rage” protests across Nigeria, driven by widespread hunger and hardship, underscore the deep-seated socio-economic issues facing the nation. While these protests are a legitimate response to the desperate living conditions many Nigerians face, the accompanying violence and looting are troubling. It’s important to note that Nigeria is not alone in this; similar economic frustrations have sparked protests in developed nations like the UK, highlighting the global nature of this struggle.
Despite the Tinubu administration’s efforts to mitigate poverty by injecting ₦570 billion into state coffers, the impact on the ground remains unclear. The Federal Government calls for patience, arguing that policies like the removal of fuel subsidies are necessary for long-term economic recovery. However, the reality in many states tells a different story.
Consider Delta State, which received a staggering N260.7 billion in federal allocations between January and June 2024. Despite this influx of funds, the state continues to suffer from dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, limited educational opportunities, and rampant unemployment. These conditions raise critical questions: Where has this money gone? What tangible improvements have been made? Unfortunately, this pattern of misallocated resources and lack of accountability is a common thread throughout the country.
While it is easy to blame the Federal Government for Nigeria’s woes, the responsibility does not end there. State governors, who exercise considerable autonomy and control over substantial state funds, must be held accountable for the well-being of their citizens. The “Days of Rage” protests have largely targeted the Federal Government, conveniently allowing state governors to escape scrutiny, even though they are directly responsible for implementing programs that could alleviate the people’s suffering.
It’s time for a shift in focus. Citizens, particularly those in Delta State, must demand transparency and accountability from their state leaders. The Governor of Delta State owes his constituents a detailed account of how the N260.7 billion FAAC allocation has been utilized, along with a transparent plan for future allocations that genuinely benefit the people.
The “Days of Rage” are not just a response to federal policies or the immediate effects of decisions like the removal of subsidies – they are also a direct result of resource mismanagement at the state level. To address the root causes of Nigeria’s ongoing struggles and to pave the way for meaningful change, we must begin holding our state governors accountable for their stewardship of public funds. Only then can we hope to resolve the underlying issues that continue to plague the nation.
Efeturi, a public affairs commentator, writes from Ozoro in Delta State.
