Politics
Nigeria: The Politics of the Hunger Protest and the Wrong Move for the Government’s Attention
Nigeria: The Politics of the Hunger Protest and the Wrong Move for the Government’s Attention
By: Dr. James Bwala
In the legendary 1955 film Rebel Without a Cause, three middle-class teenagers unexpectedly commit three separate crimes and then claim their acts were due to the fact that they were frustrated with their parental situations. In real life, a rebellion sociology definition refers to when an individual rebuffs goals and means that are accepted by a society and replaces them with goals and means that are not accepted by the society. This claim is corroborated by the definition by Robert K. Merton, which defines rebellion as when an individual replaces goals, as well as means, that are accepted by their society with goals, as well as means, that are not accepted by their society. He also defines rebellion as being more extreme than retreatism.
The August 1–10 announcement of a peaceful protest was like the classical film Rebel without a Cause; in this case, however, I can say, Protest without a Cause. Although the protest was tagged as ‘Hunger Protest’, with a promise of a peaceful movement, the resulting end clearly indicated that more than issues of hunger, the protest has its own agenda to achieve beyond the surface to which it was organized. Political protest is defined as a variety of methods used by individuals and groups to express dissatisfaction with the current political system, often involving mass activism outside of traditional parliamentary channels, such as demonstrations, boycotts, and civil disobedience. What the organizers said is that the protest is going to be peaceful. But what we saw from day one to day five of this protest was the sociology definition in Robert K. Morton’s words: rebellion.
How can someone explain the sense of burning our national flag and raising the flag of another country or the military flag in democratic settings with a call for military intervention if the real reason behind the protest is hunger?
Hunger is defined by the United Nations as periods when people experience severe food insecurity, meaning that they go for entire days without eating due to a lack of money, access to food, or other resources. However, what we saw during this period is that hunger is more complicated than empty bellies. It interconnects issues of poverty, inequality, conflict, climate change, gender discrimination, weak government and health systems, etc., all of which play a role in driving hunger.
From the discussions arising on matters of the protest, the display and interplay of issues give a reflection of the kind of society that we are living in. A society where we have all failed to look beyond ourselves and our contributions to where we are currently living and choose to shift blame is typical of a Nigerian, who sees nothing wrong with his or her action or inaction but dares to condemn the actions of others. I have lived closer to one of the biggest internally displaced persons, the IDP camp in Maiduguri, and I got the figures of persons living at that camp standing at 38,000 in population. More than 12,000 households and that camp called “Bakassi IDP Camp” in Maiduguri gave me an understanding of the definition of hunger by the United Nations.
I have traveled far and wide in my work as a reporter. I have visited places affected by Boko Haram conflicts and banditry, especially in the Northeast, Northwest, and Central Nigeria. I have visited a few places in the southeast and south-south parts of the country, and I have been home in the southwest part of the country for the last two decades of my journey in the journalism mines field. I have seen the results of poverty and what our protesters tagged as the lead in the 10-day protests as the days count. In all these, I have learned lessons about the resilience of our people in the face of hunger. That hunger is the issue for this protest was something far from the truth, and still, I cannot comprehend why it has to be about the Tinubu administration. This is not about the hunger protest; it is about a political interest, and this is the wrong move to get the government’s attention.
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Many Nigerians have been brainwashed not to see anything good about the Tinubu administration but hunger and hardship in the land. They have seen nothing in the speech made by the president. They described the speech as empty because, according to them, it did not define what they had expected. Most of them speaking have held government’s offices at certain levels in their careers and have enjoyed government’s scholarship in one way or another. In their own eyes, what they have done or contributed is good enough to position them to criticize the government today. They never see their actions or inaction in the past as contributing to the mass neglect of their duties that informed and brought us to where we are today.
I have the opportunity to speak with some high-level citizens who share their views and support for the protest. In our discussions, the list of those who supported the protest includes over 30 individuals. Some of them are friends of the president. I believe if they wanted to see the president, they could do so without stress. I do not know why they would stand so far and support or acknowledge the protest when they can easily approach the president and inform or give him advice that can move the nation forward. I could not be convinced, knowing the positions they held in the past, that their voices could not matter at this time and that only by supporting or nodding heads at the protest could they be heard.
We all know about government: the office, authority, or function of governing. Governing: having control over or ruling over oneself. We all understand governance as the activity of governing. Accordingly, governance is a set of decisions and processes made to reflect social expectations through the management or leadership of the government (by extension, under liberal democratic ideals, the will of ‘the people’ as they rule themselves). There are many issues implicit in this set of relationships whose core revolves around the notion of citizenship, as this defines the body politic over which claims of self-rule apply.
In the most general sense, we have the difference between a liberal democratic view that the government (state) serves citizens who have a natural claim to services as a benefit and right of citizenship on the one hand and, on the other, the counter-enlightenment view often associated with fascism: that the citizen must serve the state and has no rights other than those granted by the state. In what may be called the American model of citizenship, which, through our system of government practice, is a broadly endowed set of rights representing potential claims for benefits as defined by the state, what constitutes a valid claim by citizens is contested, and then the question of who qualifies to have claims met is debated. This offers us an opportunity to understand a number of pressing issues hotly contested: what is the proper role of government, who should have the right to make claims, how exclusionary or inclusive we should be as a society, how are rights defined and defended, to name but a few.
It was supposed to be a peaceful protest, as the organizers have told us. But what we saw on the streets on the first of August was nothing short of rebellion. They said it was hijacked, but who hijacked it? In what I saw on the streets, strong young men who do not qualify under the definition of hunger are those on the streets. In what I saw on the streets are young men who are raising another country’s flag other than my country’s flag. What I saw on the streets were the young men who were burning my country’s flag and chanting for military intervention. I ran through the streets and talked to some people within the bracket of hunger as defined by the United Nations; they are the onlookers and those who are praying that this does not escalate to a situation where we could not have a country to call our own because some disgruntled fools are let loose on our streets for political score cards in the name of hunger protest.
Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Nigeria: The Politics of the Hunger Protest and the Wrong Move for the Government’s Attention
ADC Declares Itself ‘Unstoppable Force,’ Accuses APC, INEC of Undermining Democracy
By: Michael Mike
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared itself an unstoppable political force, likening its rise to the certainty of the sun, while launching a scathing attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what it described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
In its Secretariat report presented by the National Secretary of the party, lOgbeni Rauf Aregbesola
at the party’s 8th National Convention in Abuja on Tuesday, the ADC said no individual, group, or institution could determine its existence, insisting that its legitimacy stems from the will of Nigerians.
The party stressed that it was founded on constitutional guarantees of freedom of association and is driven by what it called widespread public frustration with economic hardship and governance failures.
Describing its mission as a “national rescue effort,” the ADC accused the APC-led administration of presiding over worsening economic conditions, including currency depreciation, rising fuel prices, and declining living standards.
According to the report, the naira’s fall from about N700 to the dollar in 2023 to roughly N1,400 currently represents a severe blow to an import-dependent economy. It also cited the sharp rise in petrol prices—from below N238 per litre to about N1,400—as a major driver of hardship, making transportation unaffordable for many workers.
The party further criticised the government’s handling of electricity supply, alleging that power conditions have deteriorated, with some areas receiving only a few hours of electricity daily.
On governance, the ADC used strong language, warning against what it described as “kakistocracy,” and accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken electoral accountability. It also faulted the administration’s education record, claiming the number of out-of-school children has increased to about 20 million, while multidimensional poverty affects over 130 million Nigerians.
The report argued that the current administration had failed to meet key promises and should be held accountable by voters.
The ADC also accused INEC of failing in its statutory duty by refusing to monitor its convention, describing the move as “dereliction of duty” and evidence of partisan bias.
Citing provisions of the Electoral Act, the party maintained that the commission is legally required to observe political party conventions, especially those involving leadership elections, candidate selection, or merger decisions.
It warned that any attempt to delegitimise its activities would undermine democratic norms and called on the international community to closely monitor developments in Nigeria’s political space.
Despite the tensions, the ADC expressed confidence in its growth, claiming it has rapidly evolved into a major opposition force within months of restructuring and coalition-building efforts.
The party reaffirmed its readiness to contest and provide leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to support what it described as a movement to reclaim the country.
ADC Declares Itself ‘Unstoppable Force,’ Accuses APC, INEC of Undermining Democracy
2027: Of Shettima’s remarks And Atiku’s response
By: Dr. James Bwala
I believe that interactions among top leaders often attract intense scrutiny and can influence public perception considerably. A recent episode involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and current Vice President Kashim Shettima provides a compelling case study on the intersection of respect, cultural values, and political discourse. Atiku’s claim of refusal to engage publicly with Kashim, labeling him as disrespectful, juxtaposed with Kashim’s assertion that his comments were merely political challenges devoid of personal offense, raises essential questions about the nature of respect in politics, especially within the cultural context of Northern Nigeria.
While respect and decorum are foundational values, particularly in traditional societies, political engagement demands a distinct understanding where robust debate and challenge are not only expected but necessary. Atiku, given his extensive experience, should recognize this distinction and refrain from conflating political contestation with personal disrespect.
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It is critical first to understand the cultural backdrop against which these statements were made. Northern Nigerian society places immense importance on respect, especially towards elders and those who hold traditional authority. In this context, respect is not merely a social nicety but a fundamental principle that preserves societal harmony and upholds long-standing customs. Atiku’s appeal to this cultural framework underscores a genuine concern for maintaining decorum in public discourse, reflecting a desire to keep political rivalry within respectful bounds. His position resonates with many who believe that politics should not erode the basic tenets of interpersonal respect that unify communities.
However, it is equally important to recognize that political arenas operate under somewhat different norms than traditional social settings. Politics inherently involves contestation, negotiation, and at times, confrontation. Public figures, especially those in leadership roles, are expected to engage vigorously with criticism and challenges, understanding that these encounters are part of the democratic process. VP Kashim Shettima’s response — framing his remarks as a call for transparency and accountability rather than a personal affront — exemplifies this political dynamic. In politics, questioning an opponent’s record or demanding clarification is not an act of disrespect but a fundamental exercise of democratic engagement designed to inform the electorate and hold leaders accountable.
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Atiku’s stance, which carefully separates political platforms from traditional ones, inadvertently blurs an important line. While it is true that traditional platforms emphasize honor and respect toward elders, contemporary political platforms must prioritize open dialogue and constructive criticism. By conflating the two realms, Atiku risks imposing cultural expectations that do not fully apply in the political sphere, which may inhibit honest debate. This conflation can be detrimental, as it discourages politicians from engaging transparently, fearing accusations of disrespect rather than focusing on the substance of their arguments.
Atiku’s considerable experience in Nigerian politics should provide him with a nuanced understanding of political etiquette—one that balances respect with the necessity for outspoken, even pointed, political discourse. Public officeholders should anticipate and accept challenges from their peers without interpreting them as personal attacks. VP Kashim Shettima’s comments, which called upon Atiku to specify his claims on mentorship of men in certain numbers, are a standard political maneuver aimed at fostering clarity and accountability. Such engagements are vital to democracy and should be welcomed rather than rebuffed.
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It is also worth considering the potential consequences of Atiku’s refusal to engage politically with Kashim Shettima. When senior politicians avoid direct discourse citing disrespect, it sets a precedent that political opponents cannot challenge each other robustly without incurring accusations of impropriety. This could stifle political debate, limit the electorate’s access to contrasting views, and ultimately weaken the democratic process. Healthy democracies thrive on transparent discussions where candidates and leaders openly articulate their policies, question one another’s records, and clarify positions without fear of personal reprisal.
Indeed, Kashim Shettima’s acknowledgment that his remarks were political rather than personal reflects a mature understanding of political culture. It signals a willingness to engage in substantive debate and an acceptance that political rivalry does not equate to personal enmity. This attitude should be encouraged among political leaders to foster an environment where ideas and policies take precedence over personal sensitivities. Such an environment is essential for the evolution of Nigeria’s democracy and the development of governance that truly serves the people.
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The response of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima illustrates the tension between traditional values of respect and the vigorous nature of political engagement. While Atiku’s emphasis on decorum and cultural respect is commendable and reflective of his roots, it is imperative that he, and by extension all Nigerian politicians, differentiate between the expectations of traditional society and the requirements of political life. Political platforms demand open, sometimes confrontational dialogue that prioritizes truth and accountability over personal feelings.
Experienced politicians like Atiku should lead by example, demonstrating that respect in politics does not imply avoiding challenge but rather engaging with criticism constructively and without personalizing disputes. This distinction ensures that political debate remains vibrant and substantive, enriching Nigeria’s democratic culture. In this light, Kashim’s remarks represent the healthy functioning of political discourse, and Atiku’s response, though rooted in cultural sensibilities, would be better served by embracing the ethos of political respect—where contestation and honor coexist to strengthen governance and democracy. Thus, it is not disrespect but democracy in action as more of these would come to play as we head towards the 2027 election campaigns.
James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
2027: Of Shettima’s remarks And Atiku’s response
Politics
2027: Ishaya Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
2027: Ishaya Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
By: Dr. James Bwala
Insinuations by one, Mr. Ishaya Malawi, on the political happenings should be seen as the imaginations of his mindset. While he is free to make comments or statements as democratically allowed, there is a need for him to trade with caution, particularly in his attempts to drag the personality of the vice president, Kashim Shettima, into his imaginative sentiments. Recently, Mr. Ishaya Malgwi made an assertion suggesting that northern leaders might consider urging Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, to contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This claim has sparked considerable debate and requires a measured response grounded in fact, loyalty, and an understanding of the current political trajectory of Nigeria under the APC administration. It is crucial to address this insinuation with clarity and responsibility to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions and promote constructive political discourse.
Firstly, it is essential to establish that the suggestion by Mr. Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima himself. His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is unequivocally loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and firmly committed to the collective vision and mission of the APC government. The relationship between the president and the vice president is founded on mutual respect, shared goals, and a dedication to the welfare of Nigerians. To insinuate otherwise undermines not only their personal integrity but also the unity and progress of the ruling party.
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The APC government, since its inception, has been dedicated to fostering good governance, promoting inclusive development, and ensuring security and stability across the nation. Contrary to the portrayal of a fragmented administration, the APC operates as a cohesive entity working tirelessly to address the myriad challenges facing Nigeria. The claim that the APC is running parallel or competing governments within itself is unfounded and detrimental to the image of the administration both domestically and internationally. Such assertions risk sowing discord and confusion among citizens, detracting from the government’s focus on delivering tangible results.
Also, it is important to contextualize the prevailing issues of unrest, insecurity, hunger, and dissatisfaction within a historical framework. These challenges are not novel to the Tinubu administration; rather, they are deep-rooted problems inherited from previous administrations, exacerbated over years by complex socio-economic and political factors. While the current government acknowledges these issues and is actively working toward sustainable solutions, it is misleading to suggest that these problems originated solely with the APC’s leadership. Political discourse should therefore be grounded in reality and aimed at constructive engagement rather than unfounded blame.
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Mr. Malgwi’s reputation for disseminating unsubstantiated claims and engaging in provocative rhetoric must also be considered when evaluating his recent comments. Political dialogue in Nigeria demands responsibility, accountability, and a commitment to truth. When individuals like Ishaya Malgwi resort to spreading misinformation or making baseless allegations, they do a disservice to the democratic process and undermine public trust in governance. It is imperative that criticism, when necessary, be based on factual evidence and delivered respectfully to enhance national cohesion.
In dispelling the notion that Vice President Kashim Shettima might run against President Tinubu, it is also pertinent to highlight the Vice President’s demonstrated loyalty and active involvement in advancing the administration’s agenda. Vice President Shettima’s role extends beyond mere symbolism; he is deeply engaged in policymaking, outreach, and implementation of government programs. His efforts have consistently aligned with the president’s policies, reflecting a harmonious partnership aimed at stabilizing and developing the nation. To drag his name into speculative and divisive narratives not only misrepresents his position but also risks damaging the political harmony essential for effective governance.
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Mr. Ishaya Malgwi should know that the political unity within the APC is pivotal for Nigeria’s progress. The party’s platform is built on principles of inclusivity, democracy, and national development. Internal cohesion ensures that the party can effectively address pressing national concerns such as economic revitalization, security challenges, infrastructure development, and social welfare. Attempts to insinuate internal contests or rivalries without substantial proof serve no purpose other than to destabilize the party and distract from its governance responsibilities.
The insinuation by Mr. Ishaya Malgwi regarding Vice President Kashim Shettima’s potential opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within the APC is baseless and misleading. It does not represent the views of northern leaders or reflect the reality of the administration’s internal dynamics. Vice President Shettima remains a loyal and integral part of the Tinubu-led government, which continues to pursue policies aimed at good governance and national development.
The APC is not a house divided; it is a government determined to unify Nigerians and drive the country forward. Political discourse should honor the principles of truth, respect, and constructive criticism to foster an environment conducive to Nigeria’s growth and stability. Mr. Malgwi and others must exercise caution and responsibility in their public statements to avoid unnecessary political agitation and focus instead on supporting efforts that uphold Nigeria’s democratic values and collective prosperity.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
2027: Ishaya Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
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