On Monday, a 41-year-old man named David Ubaha took to the streets of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, staging a solitary protest to voice his concerns about the challenging economic hardship afflicting the nation.
Hailing from the Itu Local Government Area of the state, Ubaha, a businessman by profession, expressed his frustration with the exorbitant cost of living, highlighting that the situation has reached a breaking point, leaving many struggling to cope.
With placards visibly displayed on both sides of his shirt, the lone demonstrator expressed his sadness at the lack of consideration given to proposed remedies for the economic crisis by the country’s leadership, noting that this negligence has long hindered national development.
He enumerated Nigeria’s array of issues, citing the devaluation of the naira, pervasive hardship, escalating insecurity, abrupt subsidy removal, unchecked inflation, and numerous other challenges.
Beyond merely outlining the issues, the father of two offered constructive solutions to rejuvenate the economy. He urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize initiatives such as local production, economic diversification, revitalization of struggling industries, and investment in mechanized farming.
He also suggested that Nigeria should stop unnecessary borrowing, equip hospitals, and stop seeking medical attention abroad.
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Speaking with newsmen 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 clarified that his protest wasn’t about seeking personal recognition but rather driven by a deep concern for the state of the nation. Reflecting on the country’s situation, he expressed how troubled he feels whenever he contemplates its challenges.
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 development follows closely on the heels of youth-led protests in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where demonstrators took to the streets to decry the soaring cost of food and the overall economic situation.
Protesters reportedly gathered in the Mokola area of the state, displaying placards carrying different messages including ‘End food hike and inflation,’ ‘The poor are starving,’ and ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises,’ among other notable inscriptions
Alongside their visual displays, the protesters voiced their grievances through chants and songs, adding another layer of intensity to their message.