Byline: September 4, 2024 | By Okafor Joseph

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Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent law professor, has expressed deep concerns over the current state of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, suggesting that the only option left for Nigerians under the “Renewed Hope” agenda is death—whether through insecurity, starvation, or even protests.

In a bold statement, Odinkalu warned that those who dare to protest against Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) risk facing treason charges that could lead to execution. He emphasized that under the current regime, every possible route for Nigerians seems to end in death.

“Under @officialABAT & @OfficialAPCNg, whatever you choose, the only way to renew your hope is to die,” Odinkalu wrote. “You can choose to die by insecurity or by hunger. If you choose to protest against either or both, you can die by hanging for treason. That’s how you cover all bases!”

Odinkalu’s remarks come amid widespread discontent and nationwide protests against escalating hunger, hardship, and what many perceive as poor governance under Tinubu’s leadership.

Rather than addressing the rising public outcry over the skyrocketing cost of living, the Tinubu administration has taken a heavy-handed approach, resulting in the deaths and injuries of numerous protesters, including journalists, during the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests held from August 1-10, 2024.

As of now, over 120 Nigerians are being detained across various security facilities and face treason charges for their participation in these hunger protests. At least 10 individuals have already been imprisoned.

The situation is further exacerbated by the World Bank’s ranking of Nigeria among the top three global debtors and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) setting the fuel pump price at N859. Meanwhile, widespread killings by bandits, armed herdsmen, Boko Haram, and other insurgent groups continue, with many farms being destroyed across the country.

Despite the ongoing crises, President Tinubu maintains that his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” is a transformative policy designed to reposition Nigeria as a leading global investment destination and to rescue over 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty.