Human Rights Activist stages a one-man protest to challenge the government’s nonchalance over the plight of Nigerians
By Onome Naomi
Considering the situation currently plaguing Nigeria and Nigerians, Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, a human rights activist and founder of the Ambassadors of Peace and Enlightenment Foundation (“AMPEF”), embarked on a one-man protest in 24 hours of compulsory starvation to advocate for the masses over the hike in the price of essential commodities.
Iche said this present government has shown nonchalance over the plight of Nigerians who can barely feed; some are compulsorily prone to starvation, while a few others can only afford to feed their families with one square meal a day for sustenance. This, he says, is a result of a hike in the prices of commodities made seemingly unaffordable due to the downturn in the economy and mismanagement of the country’s resources by those in government.
In comparison, Iche explained that the prices of food and sustainable goods between yesteryear and now is marginally wide, as fruits, vegetables, food stuffs, grains, beverages, and other edibles have become 10 times more expensive. This is considered detrimental to Nigerians’ living expenses.
In reference to the recent strike proclaimed by the NLC, Iche noted that the essence was meant to cushion the effect of hardship plaging Nigerians. An increase over the previously stipulated minimum wage would enable Nigerians cope with the high cost of feeding their families due to inflation.
Iche urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give Nigerians hope by critically looking into the dire situation of the hike in food prices, acknowledged as the last hope of the common man. He also noted that those in charge of the various administrative offices nominated to oversee the inflow and cultivation of food items should have their appointments terminated if no solvent decision is taken over the present crisis. He says he presumes the President is unaware of this very critical condition Nigerians are facing in the hands of incompetent appointees.
The government should implement policies that can cushion the effect of hardship by appointing representatives that can offer viable solutions to the hardships faced by suffering Nigerians, not self-centred leaders. More also, the giant of Africa (Nigeria) is becoming a shadow of itself with the recent economic situation, Iche added.
According to Iche, he led an open street protest after thoughtfully accessing the almost unstoppable turn of events caused by food inflation and food insecurity, which gradually became starvation and hopelessness for Nigerians. Urge Nigerians to pray for the president to imbibe himself with discernment to make the right decisions for peace and progress in the nation. Advise the present administration to overhaul certain offices occupied by appointees in the arms of government to discourage corrupt practices, including the misappropriation of public funds.
