As the planned nationwide protest against hardship, poverty, and high cost of living approaches, former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has offered a nuanced perspective on the issue. Speaking on the rising costs of essential commodities like rice and tomatoes, Shittu acknowledged that the government bears some responsibility but also emphasized that Nigerians share in the blame.
“We are all guilty in one way or another,” Shittu stated, highlighting the complexities of the issue. He encouraged Nigerians to reflect on their individual roles in contributing to the problem, rather than solely blaming the government.
Shittu’s comments come as organizers of the “EndBadGovernance” protest prepare to take to the streets in August, citing the high cost of living and poverty as key grievances. While the government’s policies and actions have been criticized for exacerbating these issues, Shittu’s remarks suggest that a more introspective approach may be necessary to address the root causes.
By acknowledging the shared responsibility for rising food prices, Shittu’s statement adds depth to the conversation around the proposed protest. It remains to be seen how his words will be received by protesters and the government, as the nation grapples with the challenges of economic hardship and seeks solutions to alleviate the suffering of its citizens.