We are all suffering because the tiny corrupt elite are fighting amongst themselves. The central bank created a scarcity of Naira notes in a vain attempt to stop vote buying. The fuel marketeers are refusing to supply enough fuel because of disputes over subsidy and the price of petrol.
The in-fighting within the ruling class appears real and deep. The governor of the CBN failed to become the APC presidential candidate. In revenge he and others are now trying to stop vote buying in the coming elections. When elephants fight it is the grass that suffers.
Whatever the claimed objectives of the currency swap it is not worth the mass suffering of the common people. How many market women, okada and keke drivers have lost their livelihoods? How many POS sellers have had to close up their businesses? How many people have died because they have not been able to buy medicines or travel to hospital?
The petrol shortage has now continued for four months. Prices are up to twice the official price. Transport costs have sky-rocketed. How can we afford to travel to work? It is clear that the petrol marketeers are on a go-slow protest. And yet the government does not enforce the law.
Any competent government should be able solve both problems in a matter of days. They are core government services. But they are more interested in fighting over who will be looting after the elections.
The CBN could announce that the old currency is valid until the end of the year and insist that the old notes are accepted by the banks.
We need firm action NOW by the NLC and TUC. They have both warned the government to take the necessary actions. But we are dying now. We cannot politely wait for the government. Buhari asked us to give him seven days to make a decision – but we are still waiting.
A vibrant labour movement will also put off anti-democratic elements and give confidence to the masses that change is possible.
The government enforced “No Work – No Pay” on the lecturers of ASUU. We must say “No money/fuel – NO WORK!” The NLC and TUC have to provide leadership so that we can fight against the corrupt elite now and after the elections.
