Unrest Threatens: Fearless North Could March on Aso Rock as Lawan and Ndume Warn Tinubu! -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

Unrest Threatens: As Hunger Grips Nigeria, the Fearless North Could Prepare to March on Aso Rock, Contrasting the Cautious South – Will the Tinubu Presidency Ignore Political and Religious Northern Voices Like Lawan and Ndume? Call It Jihad or Revolt, But Aso Rock, Be Careful! The Idea of Food Stamps is Greatly Essential – Act on It Now!

Amidst severe economic turmoil and escalating hunger, Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The nation’s deep divisions in crisis response between the North and South underscore an urgent need for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to act decisively. With the North displaying a palpable readiness to take bold action, potentially culminating in a march on Aso Rock, the contrast with the traditionally more cautious South is stark and foreboding.

The northern senators, led by the vocal Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, have painted a dire picture of imminent upheaval if the government’s inaction continues. During recent Senate discussions, Ndume articulated profound concerns over the acute food shortages and rampant insecurity plaguing the nation. He criticized the government’s inadequate measures and ineffective policies, which have led to skyrocketing food prices and widespread economic distress. Ndume also raised significant concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s seeming isolation within the Presidential Villa. According to Ndume, powerful groups have effectively “fenced off and caged” the President, cutting him off from the true extent of the nation’s crises, particularly the acute security challenges. This isolation is compounded by what Ndume perceives as a failure in government action against pressing issues like poverty, insecurity, and hunger, with the government’s communication restricted to minimal press statements from a singular spokesman.

In parallel, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan warned of potential mass protests akin to those recently seen in Kenya, should the government fail to address the escalating food crisis and electricity tariff hikes. During a Senate session, Lawan emphasized the critical state of hunger in Nigeria and the empty state of the country’s food silos, which complicates any plans to import food due to the strain on foreign exchange resources. He argued for immediate and robust engagement between the Senate and the executive to avert further escalation. Lawan stressed that Nigeria could face similar unrest if immediate actions are not taken. “If we don’t take urgent actions on increased food prices and electricity tariffs, we will not like the actions we will see in the streets. We can’t take the people for granted for too long,” he stated.

The Senate urged the federal government to alleviate hunger and poverty, following a motion sponsored by Senator Karimi Sunday Steve (Kogi West) and co-sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) on the “urgent need to address food insecurity and market exploitation of consumables in Nigeria.” Senator Karimi expressed deep dissatisfaction with the rapid escalation of food prices since March, urging the Senate to implement measures to mitigate the crisis.

Similarly, Senator Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West) pointed out that while Nigerians are patient, their patience is not limitless under the atmosphere of hunger. Senate President Godswill Akpabio further emphasized that food insecurity is a result of a decade of compounded issues, including farmer-herder clashes. He asserted, “There is no doubt that the government must rise to the occasion. The food situation is an emergency. We must save our people. We must assist our people to produce. The primary role of government is to ensure the welfare and security of the people.”

Complementing this northern perspective is the voice of Simeon Borokini, the Anglican Bishop of Akure Diocese from the South, who during the Third Session of the 14th Synod in Ondo State, voiced similar frustrations. He has publicly critiqued the government’s fiscal strategies and called for revitalized efforts to harness Nigeria’s abundant natural resources more effectively. Bishop Borokini underscored the government’s constitutional duty to protect its citizens, highlighting the struggles with the cost of living and ongoing security threats that plague the nation.

The readiness to act from the North, characterized by a structured and capable leadership, especially within the Muslim communities, contrasts sharply with the South’s more fragmented and subdued form of protest. This difference not only showcases the varied socio-political dynamics within Nigeria but also indicates a potential for significant national movement originating from the North, driven by a community historically less engaged in protests.

Unlike the southern populace, which has historically been more passive and faced harsh crackdowns during protests, the northern regions, particularly the Muslim communities, are less likely to remain silent. Psychologically, southern Nigerians, who are mostly Christians, are known for being soft, careful, and passive, often worried about being brutalized and killed by the police and military, as vividly seen during the ENSARs protests. This pervasive fear has kept many in the South from protesting too vehemently against the government, despite their deep-seated grievances.

The southern populace has always shown an eagerness to protest and voice their frustrations. However, their efforts are frequently met with severe repression, involving the deployment of armed forces and brutal crackdowns. This pattern of violent suppression has instilled a culture of caution and fear among southern protesters, discouraging them from sustained and aggressive demonstrations. In stark contrast, the northern Muslim communities, with their structured leadership and cultural disposition, are far less likely to be deterred by threats of violence. They are resolute, organized, and prepared to mobilize mass movements when called upon, making them a formidable force in times of national discontent.

This dynamic could potentially shift the protest landscape in Nigeria. Southern Nigerians, who have traditionally been the main drivers of protests, might find solace and empowerment in the northern leadership taking the forefront in voicing out against the government. The readiness of northern Muslims to act could galvanize a more unified national movement. While the southern populace remains eager to protest, they might welcome the northern leadership in spearheading these efforts, hoping that the collective voice will be too strong for the government to suppress.

While I cannot definitively say that this movement is a jihad or religious call, it could be close to that in its fervor and organization. The historical reluctance of northern communities to engage in large-scale protests is changing, driven by the current severe socio-economic conditions. If the northern Muslim communities decide to mobilize, their actions will likely be more impactful due to their strategic approach and the psychological readiness to confront injustices head-on. This potential shift in leadership from south to north could create a new era of protest in Nigeria, where the government can no longer rely on the passivity of the southern protesters but must face a united and determined populace demanding change.

These communities have a structured leadership capable of mobilizing mass movements effectively. When called upon, they are prepared to organize and advance towards significant government symbols, including the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, in a concerted demonstration of their grievances. The organized nature of their potential protests, combined with their cultural and religious motivation, could pose a significant challenge to the current administration.

President Bola Tinubu, once an advocate for democratic processes and change, faces the formidable task of transforming his administration’s approach from reactive to proactive governance. The nation looks to him to not only address the immediate economic and security challenges but also to bridge the growing divide between the North and South, ensuring national unity and peace. Tinubu must recognize the urgency of these times and the readiness of the northern communities to act decisively. His response will determine whether Nigeria moves towards a future of unity and progress or descends into deeper turmoil.

President Tinubu, I counsel you not to take these two northern leaders and others for granted as you have with the passive South. Be careful especially with Senator Ndume. I say this on a psychological basis: in Islamic tradition, jihad is generally used to reference a righteous struggle against internal and external obstacles, such as hunger and financial pain. This writer makes no attempt to say that any northern senator, especially Ndume, is calling for jihad, but like he said on TV, the people have asked him to go public since Tinubu and the presidency are closing their ears. He is going public to relay their anger and possibly hint at revolt, which could come under the air of jihad, taking a righteous stand for struggle. Senator Ndume said just hours ago on television that you and the presidency are taking the people for granted. He mentioned that when he called the presidency expecting a good and sympathetic response, he was told these complaints were coming from the opposition party. He went on to use the word “revolt,” referencing the recent uprising in Kenya, implying that a similar situation could unfold in Nigeria.

Tinubu, you and other non-northern leaders in the South are known to quickly use the police, military, DSS, and other armed forces to intimidate, brutalize, and even kill peaceful protesters, as well as leverage the courts to issue restraining orders against protests. Well, sorry, these forces and moves have no chance when it is about the psychology of jihad or a religious call. They will walk into and through police, military, DSS, and other armed forces. Senator Ndume’s recent statements on television highlight the gravity of the situation. His mention of a potential “revolt,” drawing parallels to the recent unrest in Kenya, underscores the urgency of the matter. The people are demanding change, and they are looking to their leaders to champion their cause. The government must heed these warnings and take proactive steps to address the root causes of the unrest. The psychological readiness of the Northern populace, particularly within the Muslim communities, to take action against perceived injustices is deeply rooted in their cultural and religious beliefs. The concept of jihad, as a struggle against oppression and injustice, can mobilize these communities in ways that government forces might not be prepared to handle. This is not a call for violent uprising but a reflection of the deep-seated frustrations and the potential for significant social upheaval if these issues are not addressed.

The time for half-measures and political posturing is over. Nigeria stands on the precipice of significant social and political change. The government’s response to this crisis will determine the future trajectory of the nation. It is imperative that President Tinubu and his administration listen to the voices of the people, engage in meaningful dialogue with leaders from all regions, and implement comprehensive reforms to address the nation’s pressing challenges. Only through genuine commitment to justice, equity, and accountability can Nigeria hope to navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger and more united.

In this urgent call to action, it’s imperative that President Bola Tinubu recognizes the escalating tensions among Northern Muslims, akin to the turmoil witnessed during the ENSARs protests in the South, where police brutality ignited widespread chaos. The situation calls for immediate and sincere dialogue with Muslim leaders to forestall a potential march to Aso Rock, underscoring the severity of the grievances felt by those in the Northern territories. This is a pivotal moment to bridge divides and ensure that all voices are heard and addressed properly to maintain national unity and peace.

Amidst the widespread hunger affecting both the North and South of Nigeria, there’s an urgent call for President Bola Tinubu to recognize the escalating tensions among Northern Muslims—a situation reminiscent of the turmoil witnessed during the ENSARs protests in the South, where police brutality ignited widespread chaos. The pervasive hunger has heightened the stakes, making immediate and sincere dialogue with Muslim leaders crucial to forestall a potential march to Aso Rock and other significant locations, underscoring the severity of the grievances felt by those in the Northern territories. This is a pivotal moment for President Tinubu to bridge divides and ensure that all voices are heard and addressed properly, to maintain national unity and peace amidst this crisis.

As Nigeria grapples with widespread hunger affecting both the North and South, there is an urgent call for President Bola Tinubu to recognize and address the escalating tensions among Northern Muslims. This situation, reminiscent of the turmoil witnessed during the ENSARs protests in the South where police brutality ignited widespread chaos, requires immediate and sincere dialogue. The pervasive hunger has heightened the stakes, making it crucial for President Tinubu to engage with Muslim leaders to forestall potential actions, including marches to Aso Rock and other significant locations. Echoing Senator Ahmad Lawan’s admonition, it is time for all leaders to cease taking Nigerians for granted. This pivotal moment demands that the President bridge divides and ensure that the voices of all Nigerians are heard and addressed effectively, to maintain national unity and peace amidst this growing crisis.

The readiness to act from the North, characterized by a structured and capable leadership, especially within the Muslim communities, contrasts sharply with the South’s more fragmented and subdued form of protest. This difference not only showcases the varied socio-political dynamics within Nigeria but also indicates a potential for significant national movement originating from the North, driven by a community historically less engaged in protests. Unlike the southern populace, which has historically been more passive and faced harsh crackdowns during protests, the northern regions, particularly the Muslim communities, are less likely to remain silent. These communities have a structured leadership capable of mobilizing mass movements effectively. When called upon, they are prepared to organize and advance towards significant government symbols, including the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, in a concerted demonstration of their grievances.

President Bola Tinubu, once an advocate for democratic processes and change, faces the formidable task of transforming his administration’s approach from reactive to proactive governance. The nation looks to him to not only address the immediate economic and security challenges but also to bridge the growing divide between the North and South, ensuring national unity and peace. He criticized the government’s inadequate measures and ineffective policies, which have led to skyrocketing food prices and widespread economic distress.

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, on Tuesday, explicitly warned the federal government to address the current food crisis and insecurity in the country to avert potential protests. His warning follows the recent situation in Kenya, where violent protests against the government’s tax increase evolved into demands for better governance and the resignation of President William Ruto. Lawan stressed that Nigeria could face similar unrest if immediate actions are not taken. “If we don’t take urgent actions on increased food prices and electricity tariffs, we will not like the actions we will see in the streets. We can’t take the people for granted for too long,” he stated.

The Senate urged the federal government to alleviate hunger and poverty, following a motion sponsored by Senator Karimi Sunday Steve (Kogi West) and co-sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) on the “urgent need to address food insecurity and market exploitation of consumables in Nigeria.” Senator Karimi expressed deep dissatisfaction with the rapid escalation of food prices since March, urging the Senate to implement measures to mitigate the crisis.

As Nigeria teeters on the brink of potential unrest, the need for empathetic and strategic leadership has never been more urgent. This period in Nigeria’s history will test the administration’s ability to unite a diverse and divided country facing one of its most challenging periods. The government’s primary function—to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens—is being tested at this juncture, and the nation looks to its leaders to steer the country away from the brink of turmoil.

The actions Tinubu takes in the coming days and weeks will be pivotal. Engaging with leaders from all regions, demonstrating a commitment to substantive policy changes, and addressing the root causes of the nation’s distress are essential steps to steer Nigeria away from the brink of turmoil. As Nigeria teeters on the brink of potential unrest, the need for empathetic and strategic leadership has never been more urgent. This period in Nigeria’s history will test the administration’s ability to unite a diverse and divided country facing one of its most challenging periods. The government’s primary function—to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens—is being tested at this juncture, and the nation looks to its leaders to steer the country away from the brink of turmoil.

John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. John.Oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu