Yusuf’s suicidal attempt: Calling government and citizens to action

By Isaac Asabor

In a dramatic and desperate act, Shuaibu Yusuf, a Borno State native, recently climbed a radio mast in Abuja, threatening to take his own life unless the government addressed critical issues plaguing our nation. His actions serve as a stark reminder of the urgency and gravity of the challenges we face.
Shuaibu’s first demand was the restoration of fuel subsidies as the rising cost of fuel has burdened ordinary Nigerians, affecting transportation, food prices, and overall economic stability. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient the government act swiftly to alleviate this hardship.
In a similar vein, Shuaibu emphasized the need for a state of emergency in states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, and Borno. This is as terrorism continues to threaten lives, disrupt communities, and hinder development, and therefore calling for immediate action to address the issue as it is imperative.
Also, the closure of borders has exacerbated food shortages. Shuaibu rightly called for the reopening of borders to allow essential food imports. His plight, no doubt, resonate in all of us (Nigerians) as hunger is no more a silent crisis.
Again, given the fact that education is a fundamental right, Shuaibu’s plea to address the issue of out-of-school children highlights the importance of investing in our future generations.
In fact, Shuaibu’s act was extreme, but it reflects the frustration felt by many Nigerians. As citizens, we must join our voices to advocate for change. Our government must listen, act, and prioritize the welfare of its people.
Without a doubt, Citizen Shuaibu Yusuf’s desperate climb serves as a wake-up call. Therefore, let us rally together, urging our leaders to address these pressing concerns as it is only through collective action we can build a stronger and more resilient Nigeria.
Against the foregoing backdrop, there is no denying the fact that addressing the challenges raised by Shuaibu Yusuf requires a multifaceted approach. And the potential solutions, as demanded by him is the restoration of fuel subsidy. In fact, beyond his demand that the fuel subsidy be restored, the government should provide clear information on fuel pricing, subsidies, and distribution. The reason for the foregoing demand cannot be farfetched as transparency will build trust and allow citizens to understand the rationale behind subsidy decisions.
In fact, while complete restoration may not be feasible, a gradual reduction in fuel prices can ease the burden on citizens. Simultaneously, investments in alternative energy sources can mitigate reliance on fossil fuels.
Also, there is need for the government to literarily build a bulwark around its intelligence and collaboration. The reason for the foregoing suggestion cannot be farfetched as insecurity across the country is no doubt getting out of hand. Without a doubt, there isalso an urgent need for the government to strengthen intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies. To achieve this, Joint operations, sharing of information, and targeted efforts can be carried out by the government as they can disrupt terrorist networks.
In fact, community engagement should be strengthened by the government as it entails the Involvement of local communities in security efforts through community policing, dialogue, and trust-building initiatives, and all these can no doubt enhance security at the grassroots level.
As to the reopening of borders for food importation, which Yusuf specifically demanded during his one-man-protest, there is need for reopening the borders selectively, prioritizing essential goods like food, and at the same time conduct risk assessments to prevent smuggling and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
Again, there is need for the governments to Invest in agriculture. This can be done by boosting domestic food production through incentives for farmers, improved infrastructure, and research. This is as self-sufficiency reduces reliance on imports.
Also, there is need for the government to strengthen implementation of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, and by that ensure access to quality education for all children, especially in underserved areas.
Again, there is an urgent need for the government to raise awareness about the importance of education, by mobilizing parents, religious leaders, and community influencers to encourage school enrollment.
Given the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to note that these solutions require political will, collaboration, and sustained efforts. Therefore, there is need for the rest of us, without resorting to suicidal act like Citizen Shuaibu Yusuf to always advocate for change and hold our leaders accountable.
Against the foregoing backdrop, there is need to opine in this context that advocacy for change and holding our leaders to account is a collective effort, and that beyond protests, citizens can actively contribute to positive change by staying informed. This can be achieved by regularly reading reliable news sources, following credible social media accounts, and educating ourselves about national and local issues.
Having imbued ourselves with the foregoing attitude, it therefore behooveson us to always share information with family, friends, and neighbors, and discussing critical topics as well as encouraging informed conversations. The reason for the foregoing cannot be farfetched as there is a pervading ignorance in the land. Little wonder the electorates by each passing electoral season praise the wrong politicians to high heaven, and more often than not end up voting them to power.
Again, the youths should form the habit of writing letters or composing emails, and sending such letters or emails to elected officials expressing their concerns and suggestions. On this, they should be specific about the changes they would like to see.
Also, whenever they are enjoined to sign petition, they should not hesitate. In fact, they should always support online petitions related to issues they care about. The reason for the foregoing cannot be farfetched as petitions can create awareness and pressure decision-makers.
Again, there is need for the youths in particular to always register to vote. In fact, they should always ensure they are registered and encourage others to do the same. This is as voting is a powerful tool for change. They should expressing the doubtful sentiment that there is no need voting as their votes may not count. In fact, they should perish the sentiment as there were elections held in the past that were adjudged to be free and fair, and wherein they (politicians) were seen to have emerged victorious.
Again, there is the need for all of us, as citizens, to always carry out casual research on candidates’ background, particularly ahead of any major election. By doing this, efforts should be made to understand the positions of political candidates. Given the foregoing, it is expedient we, as citizens, always vote for leaders who align with our values and prioritize citizens’ welfare.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Policy Analyst.