Africa
A Nation’s Paradox: Between Rumoured Coup and Nationwide Protest -By Richard ODUSANYA
Nigeria does not need saviours in uniform or protests in the streets to survive. What we need are leaders with empathy and citizens with patience and participation.
When governance becomes more listening, responsive, and fair, agitation for extra-constitutional solutions will find no audience.
Let the government lead with humility, and the people respond with faith. That is how nations heal and how democracies endure.
Let me begin with an excerpt from one of my reflections, written on May 29 — the second anniversary of the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT):
“Today, I write to you not as a critic but as a patriot — one deeply concerned about the state of our beloved nation. I write as a citizen who believes in the urgent necessity of a national rebirth — a renaissance of values, leadership, and collective purpose. My hope is that millions of our compatriots, at home and abroad, will begin to experience a unity that transcends division and a renewed commitment to our shared destiny.”
That open letter of May 29, followed by another on June 12 (our Democracy Day), was not written in condemnation but in constructive engagement — a citizen’s sincere effort to reach out to leadership in the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility. My intention was, and remains, to awaken our collective conscience toward purposeful governance and people-centred progress.
Regrettably, rather than moving steadily along a deliberate path of renewal, the nation seems to be drifting — uncertain in direction, yet burdened by the weight of expectations.
Today, our dear country finds itself at a painful crossroads. Over 31 million Nigerians are facing acute hunger, while an estimated 133 million live in multidimensional poverty. These are not mere statistics; they represent the silent anguish of families, communities, and generations. The causes are multifaceted — ranging from conflict and displacement to economic dislocation, policy inconsistency, and insecurity that has overstretched both our institutions and our hope.
And this morning, as I pondered on these realities, two unsettling issues loomed large in public discourse: the rumoured coup and the planned nationwide protest. Both, though differing in nature, reflect a nation searching for direction — a paradox of frustration and aspiration intertwined.
At such a delicate time, may wisdom prevail — among leaders and citizens alike. The path forward must be one of dialogue, reform, and renewal, not confrontation or despair. For nations are not destroyed by the noise of dissent but by the silence of conscience.
Restoring Confidence and Stability: What Government Can Do
To make the very thought of a coup or any unconstitutional intervention a complete impossibility, the government must deliberately rebuild the invisible but powerful bridge between the people and the state. This requires not grand declarations but pragmatic, people-centred actions that restore trust, fairness, and hope.
(1) Rebuild Economic Confidence at the Grassroots.
Hunger is a national security threat. The government must urgently scale up local food production through guaranteed input supply, rural security for farmers, and price stabilization mechanisms. The National Grain Reserves and Strategic Food Supply Programme must be revived and transparently managed.
(2) Reignite Public Service Efficiency and Integrity.
Nigerians are losing faith not in democracy itself but in the way it is managed. A visible and merit-based civil service reform — cutting waste, reducing duplication, and rewarding performance — will renew confidence that government works for all, not for a few.
(3) Strengthen Communication and Public Engagement.
Silence and mixed messages breed rumours and mistrust. The government must create a credible, non-partisan Citizens’ Communication Platform — a regular, structured interface between leadership and citizens — to listen, clarify, and respond.
(4) Tackle Corruption Beyond Optics.
When citizens perceive selective justice, cynicism replaces patriotism. There must be a consistent, transparent, and exemplary fight against corruption — starting from the top. Public declaration of assets by senior officials and publication of major contract details will send a powerful signal.
(5) Secure the Nation, Protect the Dignity of Every Nigerian.
The military must be seen as protectors of the republic, not potential arbiters of its fate. Regular welfare reviews, professional training, and civilian oversight should strengthen their loyalty to constitutional authority while maintaining morale.
(6) Build a Social Compact with the Youth.
No democracy survives if its youth feel excluded. The government should institute a National Youth Economic Empowerment Compact — focused on skills, digital jobs, and entrepreneurship — to harness their creativity rather than allow frustration to ferment instability.
(7) Institutionalize Dialogue and Inclusive Governance.
There should be a National Dialogue Platform where labour, civil society, and religious and traditional leaders can regularly interface with the government on critical socio-economic issues — forestalling street confrontations and restoring mutual respect.
And A Call for Collective Responsibility
Nigeria does not need saviours in uniform or protests in the streets to survive. What we need are leaders with empathy and citizens with patience and participation.
When governance becomes more listening, responsive, and fair, agitation for extra-constitutional solutions will find no audience.
Let the government lead with humility, and the people respond with faith. That is how nations heal and how democracies endure.
NIGERIA WILL RISE AGAIN
Citizen Richard ODUSANYA.
Public Affairs Enthusiast and Good Governance Advocate
odusanyagold@gmail.com
