By Nnaoke Ufere, PhD
In a nation beleaguered by the heavy burden of injustice, corruption, and inequality, at least 5 million brave souls rose to their feet across the country to speak out against the pervasive hardships and suffering inflicted upon the people by President Tinubu’s policy blunders and misguided leadership.
It is widely reported that more than 30 of these courageous souls who raised their voices during the #EndBadGovernance protests never got the chance to see the new Nigeria they dreamed of.
Their lives were brutally cut short by Tinubu’s ruthless security forces, who silenced them for the simple act of exercising their constitutional right to protest.
These innocent citizens, taken from us far too soon, were not just victims—they were martyrs, paying the ultimate price in the struggle for a better, more just nation.
Their sacrifice will echo through history, a testament to their courage and unyielding desire for change. Their selfless bravery will forever shine as a beacon of hope, inspiring generations to come.
Meanwhile, Tinubu’s legacy will be cast into the shadows, remembered not for leadership, but for the brutal suppression of his own people—forever consigned to the dumpster of history.
These were young, vibrant souls, filled with dreams of a Nigeria where every citizen could live with dignity and opportunity. They marched against the policies of President Tinubu, whose reckless decisions have driven the country into the depths of despair.
As inflation soared and unemployment skyrocketed, the rich and powerful indulged in luxury—buying a multimillion-dollar jet, armored limousines, and even planning for a luxury yacht for a heartless president—while millions of Nigerians faced starvation and homelessness.
These heroes stood for a Nigeria where leadership is grounded in a clear vision of a united, safe and prosperous country—where empathy is not just an ideal but a guiding principle, and where policies are designed to uplift the many, not just the privileged few.
They fought for a future where every family can afford the basic necessities of life, where the economy thrives and creates abundant employment opportunities, where infrastructure is modernized, and electricity is steady and affordable.
They envisioned a healthcare system that is world-class, affordable and accessible to all, a country where corruption is a relic of the past, and politicians serve the people, not themselves.
They dreamed of a nation where children have access to the best schools and teachers, where every worker earns a living wage, where families are safe from the threats of kidnapping and violence.
They dreamed of a Nigeria where citizens, regardless of tribe, religion, or region, live together in harmony as brothers and sisters. A nation where merit is valued over connections, where hard work and integrity pave the way to success, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
They dreamed of a country that can feed its citizens, where hunger is eradicated, and where prosperity includes everyone—not just the wealthy and privileged.
They envisioned a nation where morality is a guiding virtue, and where fairness and opportunity are accessible to all, allowing every citizen to reach their fullest potential regardless of background or circumstance.
This is why they made the ultimate sacrifice. My fellow Nigerians, to love Nigeria is to be willing to die for it. That is the inspiration we must draw from the untimely deaths of these brave souls, murdered by a brutish, heartless government.
These national martyrs—our brothers, sisters, children, and friends—died not just as protesters, but as patriots. They died because they dared to dream of a better Nigeria, a nation where every citizen has the right to live with dignity and hope.
Their deaths are not in vain, for they have ignited a fire in the hearts of many, a fire that will continue to burn until justice is served.
May their souls rest in peace, and may their courage inspire us all to continue the fight for the Nigeria they dreamed of—a nation where leadership is rooted in love for the people, where policies uplift the downtrodden, and where the government is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Their legacy will endure in the hearts of all who long for a Nigeria that cherishes every life, regardless of status or station.
