Understanding and Examining the Disillusionment of Nigerians Under the New APC Administration
In Nigeria, a new trending term has emerged called “renewed shege,” which reflects the disillusionment and disappointment experienced by Nigerians under the new administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The concept of “renewed shege” is a play on words, derived from the campaign mantra of the APC, “Renewed hope,” which promised a better future for Nigerians in the 2023 presidential elections.
However, instead of experiencing the promised improvements, Nigerians have witnessed a renewal of suffering and hardship.
Renewed Hope Dashed:
Prior to the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC government pledged to bring about positive change and improve the lives of Nigerians. There was widespread anticipation and optimism surrounding the new administration’s assumption of power in May 2023. However, within a month, the concept of “renewed hope” was quickly replaced by “renewed shege.”
Understanding “Renewed Shege”
The term “shege” originates from the Hausa language, where it refers to a bastard, something illegitimate, or even something unconstitutional. In the local slang, “renewed shege” is used to describe renewed suffering or hardship. It encapsulates the perception that instead of alleviating the struggles faced by the majority of Nigerians, the new administration has exacerbated their difficulties.
Austerity Measures and Increased Hardship:
One of the key factors contributing to the “renewed shege” experienced by Nigerians is the implementation of austerity measures by the new APC administration.
Among these policies, the removal of oil subsidy stands out as a significant contributor to increased hardships. This move has led to a substantial rise in oil prices, exceeding 200 percent. Since oil is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, this increase has had a ripple effect, significantly driving up the cost of living for Nigerians.
Furthermore, the government has introduced other austerity measures, including hikes in electricity tariffs and the implementation of a 7.5% VAT tax on oil importation. These actions, taken within the first 30 days of the new administration, have further deepened the suffering endured by Nigerians.
Rash Policies, Dire Consequences
The hasty policies of the APC administration initially brought about a sense of optimism, but they ultimately resulted in negative consequences. One such policy was the implementation of student loans, which led to a threefold increase in tuition fees at government-owned institutions. This situation has made a mockery of the policy, resembling a scenario of taking from one person to give to another.
We cannot overlook the chaos caused by the deregulation of the parallel market for dollars. The policy granted banks the authority to trade in foreign currency. The expectation was to stabilize and strengthen the dollar. However, in less than two weeks after the policy was introduced, the value of the Naira plummeted to over 820 Naira per dollar instead.
Hope Amidst the Suffering:
Despite the prevailing sense of “renewed shege,” many Nigerians hold onto the belief that the long-term benefits promised by these policies will eventually materialize. They hope that the sacrifices made today will pave the way for a better tomorrow. However, it is crucial for the government to effectively communicate their plans and demonstrate tangible progress to alleviate the hardships faced by the populace.
The emergence of the term “renewed shege” reflects the disillusionment and frustration experienced by Nigerians under the new APC administration. The failure to deliver on the promised “renewed hope” has left many feeling betrayed and trapped in a cycle of increasing suffering and hardship.
As the government moves forward, it is imperative that they address the concerns of the people and work towards fulfilling their promises. Only through genuine efforts and tangible results can the concept of “renewed shege” be replaced with a renewed sense of hope and prosperity for all Nigerians.
