Disgruntled citizens have expressed frustrations with government regulations and reforms which they blame for the high cost of living.

Sema Fonkem 24/08/2024

The Nigerian diaspora community in South Africa is dismayed by the peaceful protest that has suddenly turned violent as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reluctant to address citizens. Over the last 48 hours, thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest bad governance.

Nigerians say that they are fade up with hunger and abject poverty. They want the government to put an end to the soaring prices of goods and services. Angrily on the streets, they also want the government to reverse the fuel subsidy removal which has caused the rise in fuel prices and scarcity.

The protest which is on its second day under the banner of #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria is a peaceful protest to call on the government’s attention towards the sufferings of citizens. While President Tinubu and top government officials have been silent, security forces have resorted to using teargas to disperse the crowds and journalists who are present at the scene. Over ten people have been allegedly killed during the course of conflict escalation between police and protesters.

Meanwhile in Edenvale, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, businessmen and members of the Nigerian community, especially those of the Biafra movement have shown support to the protesters and condemn the actions of security forces. One of the businessmen Kingsley Orgi who owns a hair salon said, “As a Nigerian living in South Africa, I own a business and I am doing fine. I can’t do the same business in my country because of constant power outages and bad roads. I can’t send money to Nigeria as often as I will love to. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should leave power so that the country can have a better leadership.” While speaking, I couldn’t help but notice the anger and frustration on his voice and countenance. One of the Nigerian community leaders in Edenvale, Eugene Maduka, added, “People are protesting in Nigeria because of bad governance. The new president has not kept his campaign promises. Goods and services are expensive. My family is back home in Nigeria. The president should step down because we need a better government.”

Other demands of the protest include reduced cost of governance, a solution to the deteriorating state security, kidnappings, judicial, constitutional and electoral reforms.