“If Government Na Healing Balm, Dis One Na Aboniki”: The Lingering Pain Of Economic Hardship, by Isaac Asabor

In the bustling markets, noisy motor parks, and crowded beer parlors of Nigeria, the pulse of the nation’s economy is often felt most acutely. These are places where everyday conversations are garnished with idiomatic expressions that vividly capture the realities of life under economic pressure. It is no surprise, then, that when someone remarked in pidgin, “If government Na healing balm, dis one Na Aboniki,” the sentiment resonated deeply with many.

Aboniki, a popular menthol balm known for its intense heat and powerful sting, has become a fitting metaphor for the kind of government policies that, while meant to alleviate pain, often seem to cause more discomfort than relief. Today, the economy is unarguably as pepperish as Aboniki, with its sting is been felt by millions of people across the country.

Descriptively put, Aboniki is a well-known product in Nigeria, widely used for its potent effects in relieving pain and soothing muscle aches. However, its application is not without a sharp, burning sensation that can be overwhelming, particularly when applied to sensitive areas. This duality, offering both relief and a searing sensation, makes it an apt symbol for the current state of the Nigerian economy. Just as Aboniki balm can both soothe and irritate depending on how it is used, the economy today has become a source of intense discomfort for many, as rising prices, high unemployment, and dwindling purchasing power have left people struggling to cope with the harsh realities of daily life. The comparison to Aboniki underscores the paradox of policies that, instead of easing the pain of economic hardship, seem to intensify it, leaving citizens feeling the burn rather than the balm of relief.

Given the foregoing views, it is expedient to let the government realize the fact that its initiated policies since May 29, 2023, and which are all at the implementation stages are stinging, and that the Tinubu government must rethink its approach as the people can no longer afford to be suffering in pain.

In fact, as Nigeria grapples with its current economic challenges, the policies of the Tinubu administration have come under intense scrutiny. The government has frequently assured the public that the discomfort being experienced today is temporary, a necessary phase in the journey toward eventual economic stability and prosperity.

However, for many Nigerians, this promise of future comfort does little to soothe the immediate pains of soaring prices, dwindling job opportunities, and an overall decline in the standard of living. The current situation presents a glaring contradiction: policies intended to bring relief are instead causing widespread distress, much like applying a balm that burns more than it soothes. It is clear that the government must rethink its approach and develop policies that can deliver relief without the accompanying pain.

To achieve this, the Tinubu administration needs to think outside the box, moving beyond conventional strategies that have repeatedly failed to yield the desired outcomes. The focus should shift from policies that require the public to endure hardship now with the hope of future benefits, to those that can provide immediate, tangible relief. This could involve re-evaluating policies that disproportionately affect the poor, implementing targeted subsidies that ensure basic goods remain affordable, or creating job opportunities that provide real income growth. Moreover, there need to be a concerted effort to restore public trust by ensuring transparency in how government funds are used and by genuinely addressing the corruption that siphons off resources meant for public welfare.

Without a doubt, Nigeria’s economic challenges are complex and deeply rooted, but they are not insurmountable. The key lies in adopting innovative, people-centered policies that prioritize the well-being of citizens today, not just in some distant future. The government must recognize that the pain currently being felt across the nation is not just an unfortunate side effect of economic reform, but a clear indication that the current approach is flawed. By listening to the needs of the people and crafting solutions that provide immediate relief, the Tinubu administration can begin to rebuild the trust and hope that are essential for any lasting economic recovery.

In fact, in the unfolding narrative of Nigeria’s economic struggle under the Tinubu administration, the situation has become painfully reminiscent of a child being beaten for crying out in hunger. Just as it is unjust to punish such child for expressing a basic need, it is equally troubling to see a government attempt to silence the legitimate cries of its citizens. The analogy goes further: the people are not just hungry; they are in pain, as if the administration has rubbed Aboniki, an ointment known for its burning sensation, into their eyes. Rather than addressing the root causes of the suffering, the government seems more intent on covering people’s mouths, preventing them from voicing their grievances. This approach is not only counterproductive but also deeply unjust, and undemocratic.

In a democratic society, the right to express dissatisfaction is fundamental. When citizens speak out against policies that have worsened their living conditions, they are not merely complaining; they are holding their leaders accountable. The Tinubu administration’s attempt to stifle dissent, whether through intimidation or rhetoric, only deepens the sense of alienation and frustration among the populace. Instead of silencing the voices of those who are suffering, the government should heed their cries and take meaningful action to alleviate their pain. This means acknowledging the failures of current policies and making necessary adjustments to ensure that relief, not further hardship, is delivered.

In fact, the administration’s focus should shift from managing public perception to addressing the very real issues that are causing widespread distress. The people are not asking for the impossible; they are simply demanding what is rightfully theirs, a chance to live with dignity, free from the crushing weight of economic hardship. The government must do the needful by implementing policies that provide genuine relief, rather than continuing to inflict pain and then punishing those who dare to speak out. True leadership listens to its people, understands their plight, and works tirelessly to improve their lives. Therefore, It is time for the Tinubu administration to embrace this principle and make the well-being of Nigerians its top priority.