Loyalty and allegiance are commodities that may be bought and sold in Nigerian politics
The administration of President Bola Tinubu has been characterized by economic reforms that have caused a great deal of controversy and that have made life difficult for a significant number of Nigerians.
Challenges Facing Nigeria’s Economy
- Poverty and Inequality: There are around 82 million people in Nigeria who are surviving on less than one dollar per day, making it one of the countries with the greatest poverty rates in the world. Nigeria’s economic development has been hampered by widespread corruption and inefficient government, both of which have contributed to the country’s prevailing poverty and inequality.
- Inflation and Unemployment: Both inflation and unemployment have had an impact on a significant percentage of the population. The rate of inflation in Nigeria has been on the rise, which may be attributed to a number of variables, like the security situation in regions that produce food, the depreciation of the naira, and the rise in energy costs. The unemployment rate in the country is high, especially among young people, and a significant number of Nigerians are having difficulty finding jobs that are both stable and pay well.
- Corruption and Insecurity: Corruption and insecurity inhibit investment, which in turn hinders economic progress and diverts resources away from important public services. The country is further destabilized as a result of the violence, displacement, and destruction of property that are caused by insecurity. Corruption and insecurity are pervasive, and they weaken people’s trust in the government, which in turn promotes social unrest.
Despite all these, an increasing number of politicians appear to be associating themselves with the present administrative, possibly for the purpose of gaining personal gain, notwithstanding the difficulties.
A number of politicians have shifted their allegiance to the current administration because of their selfish interests.
The priorities of Nigerian politicians have been called into question by a large number of people, with some individuals claiming that they put their own financial interests ahead of the need of the people.
Both loyalty and allegiance are commodities that may be bought and sold in Nigerian politics. There is a possibility that Tinubu’s influence would dictate the decisions of some politicians, even if it means ignoring the challenges that Nigerians are currently facing.
Most of them will also opt to align themselves with Tinubu’s administration to preserve their access to power, resources, and privileges, even if doing so requires them to compromise their devotion to the people.
The perception that there is a mismatch between the acts of politicians and the requirements of citizens has the potential to weaken trust in democratic institutions and the government.
It is possible that the economic gap between the governing class and regular citizens will increase as politicians continue to prioritize their own personal gain, which will, in turn, exacerbate poverty and inequality.
The Nigerian people are facing the brunt of the economic misery, and their voices are essential in demanding accountability and reform.
It is possible that additional social unrest, protests, and calls for accountability will occur as a result of ongoing economic difficulties and the perception of corruption.
When it comes down to it, in order to foster trust and advance development, Nigerian leaders must put the demands of their constituents ahead of their own personal interests.