Economic hardship: Man embarks on lone protest in A’Ibom
A 41-year-old man identified as David Ubaha on Monday staged a lone protest in Uyo Akwa Ibom State to register his grievances over the harsh economic situation currently plaguing the country.
Ubaha, a businessman and native of Itu Local Government Area of the state, expressed disappointment over the high cost of living, saying that the situation has become unbearable and that most people can no longer cope.
The lone protester who tucked a placard in the front and back of his shirt expressed sadness that when ideas are proffered on how to fix the economy, those in leadership positions don’t take such ideas into consideration, adding that such has been a bane of the country’s development.
He listed Nigeria’s problems, including the depreciation of the naira, unbearable hardship, ravaging insecurity, unplanned subsidy removal, uncontrolled inflation, and others.
The father of two also offered solutions to revive and resuscitate the economy, calling on President Bola Tinubu to start local production, diversify the economy, revamp dying industries, and invest in mechanical farming.
He also suggested that Nigeria should stop unnecessary borrowing, equip hospitals, and stop seeking medical attention abroad.
Speaking with our Correspondent in Uyo, Ubaha said, “The idea on how to fix this country does not reside with our readers alone; it resides with the people, but the saddest episode is that when these ideas are being proffered by the people, the leaders will not take them into cognisant.
“On the other part, the people do not know how to compel the leaders to fix the country for the common good of everybody and the posterity.
“So, I, David Ubaha, a true son of Ibiobio, have sworn to myself that I will never keep quiet and watch this country go down the drain.”
He said he was not embarking on the protest to blow his own trumpet alone, adding when he looks at the situation in the country, his mind always pricks him.
He added, “The situation has affected me negatively. The cost of fuel, cost of food in the market have gone up. I’m not just blowing my trumpet alone, but looking at what the society is passing through, it pricks my mind.”
This is coming barely a few hours after youths in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, hit the streets to protest the skyrocketing price of food and the state of the economy.
The PUNCH observed that protesters gathered around the Mokola area in the state wielding placards with various inscriptions such as ‘End food hike and inflation,’ ‘The poor are starving,’ and ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises,’ among others.
They were also chanting songs to show their grievances.
