Politics

Nigeria: The Politics of the Hunger Protest and the Wrong Move for the Government’s Attention

Published

2 years ago

August 6, 2024

News Net Global

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

Politics

Shettima’s relentless engagement should remind Nigerians that their government is not an opaque monolith but a responsive entity committed to their welfare.

Published

2 days ago

May 9, 2026

News Net Global

VP Kashim Shettima

Shettima’s relentless engagement should remind Nigerians that their government is not an opaque monolith but a responsive entity committed to their welfare.

By: Dr. James Bwala

Recently, I was reading some comments about Vice President Kashim Shettima’s travels. While some of these comments are encouraging, others seem to have distanced themselves from the reality of what it means to be in a leadership position. Nigeria, with its over 200 million inhabitants spread across 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory, presents a multifaceted challenge to governance. The country’s ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity, combined with economic disparities and security concerns, necessitates a leadership approach that is both hands-on and deeply empathetic. Vice President Shettima’s extensive travels allow him to engage directly with various communities, understand their unique challenges, and foster a sense of inclusion and representation within the federal framework. This ground-level interaction cultivates trust between the government and its citizens, diminishing alienation and enhancing the legitimacy of governance structures.

Shettima’s tireless journey across Nigeria, traversing its vast length and breadth, stands as a compelling testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to forging a better future for all Nigerians. In an era where leadership is often critiqued for detachment and inefficiency, Shettima’s relentless engagement exemplifies the vital qualities of dedication, resilience, and visionary stewardship that a leader must embody to achieve meaningful progress. His continuous efforts are not merely symbolic gestures but tangible acts that reflect the innermost drive required to steer a diverse and complex nation toward unity, development, and prosperity.

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The vice president’s visible presence across the country sends a powerful message about the government’s priorities. It signals that no region or group is overlooked; rather, there is a concerted effort to bridge gaps, address grievances, and promote equitable development. This approach contrasts sharply with a detached bureaucracy where policies might be formulated in isolation without adequate appreciation of local realities. By crisscrossing Nigeria, the vice president gathers firsthand insights that inform policy formulation, ensuring that interventions are contextually relevant and more likely to succeed. This dynamic feedback loop between leadership and the populace is critical in a democracy striving for responsiveness and accountability.

The personal toll on Vice President Shettima cannot be overstated. His demanding schedule, often described as exhausting, underscores the sacrifices inherent in leadership at the highest level. Yet, it is precisely this embodiment of relentless commitment that galvanizes governmental momentum and inspires confidence among Nigerians. Leadership, especially in a country as complex as Nigeria, demands an inner reservoir of strength—an indomitable spirit that persists amid fatigue, setbacks, and criticism. Shettima’s ability to continually summon this inner strength reflects his recognition that leadership is not a static position but an active, evolving process requiring constant energy, adaptability, and perseverance.

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Shettima’s style also offers a profound lesson on the interplay between visibility and effectiveness. Too often, political leaders are perceived as distant figures whose decisions emerge from abstract corridors of power. But in contrast, Shettima’s approach breaks down these barriers, positioning the vice presidency as a proactive institution directly engaged with the citizenry. This hands-on leadership fosters a culture of transparency and humility, where listening becomes as important as directing. It reassures Nigerians that their government is not an opaque monolith but a responsive entity committed to their welfare.

In the broader context of Nigeria’s developmental trajectory, the vice president’s efforts align with national ambitions to enhance social cohesion, economic diversification, and infrastructural growth. The government’s push to create jobs, improve healthcare, reform education, and enhance security requires not only robust policies but also vigorous implementation supported by continuous dialogue with stakeholders at every level. Vice President Shettima’s extensive travels enable him to champion these initiatives directly, mobilizing local resources, encouraging public-private partnerships, and advocating for reforms that resonate with community needs and aspirations.

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On a closer look, Shettima’s leadership embodies the essence of servant leadership—a philosophy where leaders prioritize the needs of their people above personal gain or political expediency. His visible exhaustion is not a sign of weakness but an expression of his willingness to share in the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. This empathetic connection builds social capital and reinforces the moral authority necessary for sustainable governance. As Nigeria grapples with issues such as poverty, insecurity, and infrastructural deficits, leadership that demonstrates genuine care and dedication can serve as a unifying force capable of transcending divisive politics and fostering national reconciliation.

Critics might argue that frequent travel and public engagements risk superficiality, suggesting that real change is achieved through policy details and systemic reforms rather than charismatic presence. While policy substance is undeniably critical, the importance of leadership presence should not be underestimated, especially in a federal system where trust and cooperation among diverse regions are indispensable. Vice President Shettima’s approach does not replace rigorous policy work; rather, it complements it by ensuring that policies are grounded in lived experiences and receive the support necessary for effective implementation.

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The rigorous schedule adopted by the vice president sets a benchmark for other leaders in the country, encouraging a culture of diligence and accountability within the government. It raises expectations around active leadership and discourages complacency. When the nation’s second-in-command is seen investing considerable personal effort into understanding and addressing grassroots issues, it elevates the standards for public service and nurtures a political environment oriented toward active problem-solving rather than mere rhetoric.

Some critical-minded Nigerians need to see that Shettima’s continuous crisscrossing of Nigeria is emblematic of a government genuinely invested in building a better nation. His physical journey across diverse terrains mirrors a deeper journey of commitment, resilience, and visionary leadership essential for navigating Nigeria’s complexities. Despite the evident exhaustion, his indefatigable spirit personifies the qualities required to lead effectively in challenging circumstances. Through direct engagement, empathetic governance, and steadfast dedication, Shettima contributes significantly to fostering national unity, promoting inclusive development, and inspiring confidence in Nigeria’s future. His example is a clarion call for leadership that is not only seen and heard but felt profoundly across every corner of the nation, driving collective progress for the greater good.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Shettima’s relentless engagement should remind Nigerians that their government is not an opaque monolith but a responsive entity committed to their welfare.

Politics

When APC’s incumbency appears secure ahead of 2027

Published

2 days ago

May 8, 2026

News Net Global

When APC’s incumbency appears secure ahead of 2027

When APC’s incumbency appears secure ahead of 2027

By: Dr. James Bwala

The political landscape in Nigeria as it approaches the 2027 general elections presents a complex tableau marked by rivalry, fragmentation, and strategic posturing. In examining this scenario through the lens of Niccolò Machiavelli’s seminal work, The Prince, one finds striking parallels that elucidate the dynamics at play within Nigerian opposition politics. Machiavelli’s assertion that “it is safer to be feared than loved” and his advocacy for deception as a tool to maintain power offer a critical framework to understand why Nigeria’s opposition has struggled to effectively mount a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Machiavelli’s political philosophy centers on the pragmatics of power—rulers must often engage in morally ambiguous acts, including fearmongering and calculated deceit, to establish and sustain authority. He stresses that a ruler who is loved but not feared is vulnerable; fear ensures obedience even when affection wanes. Applying this to Nigeria’s contemporary political environment reveals how the ruling party, through both strategic governance and symbolic displays of strength, has induced a palpable sense of fear among opposition ranks, thereby destabilizing their cohesion.