Why Is The Voice Of The Opposition In Nigeria Suddenly Silent?

While Nigerians and Labour Unions were busy criticising and protesting the new inflated pump price of petrol deceptively termed "fuel subsidy removal" with no deregulation in the petroleum sector, the nation's main opposition party the PDP was busy embroiled in an internal
struggle by members fighting dirty for the control of the former "cash cow" political party.

This was a sign that the PDP might be destined for history and a free fall as unlike it's opponent (APC), the party and his leaders did not use the opportunity of the increase in the pump price of petroleum to hit a striking blow to the central government.

History shows that one of the main reasons the former PDP administration of President Goodluck Jonathan was voted out was the infamous subsidy removal in 2012 January which was vehemently opposed by Organised Labour and the APC . Such was the velocity of the protest that several parks and public centres in Lagos State (economic hub of Nigeria) was filled with Nigerians protesting anti-people policies like the subsidy removal. This was later reversed by the then President after the death of more than five  people during the protest.

While the former president might have enjoyed little or no love from certain Nigerians, it is clear that many of his policies were not anti-people as it looked like. A look at the present administration will see several policies which are clearly initiated to exploit the poor masses while recording little or no success.

Such policies include increase in electricity tariff while electricity distribution remains the poorest since Nigerian history, removal of subsidy with no proper deregulation of the petroleum sector , Central bank's pegging of the dollar  to 198 naira while banks and other financial institutions charge Nigerians the real rate which fluctuates around 345 naira to a dollar but pays the same individuals with the pegged CBN rates while receiving funds abroad.

In less than one year of the present government , we have seen more promises bigger than that of all the previous  administrations put together and less results that have  forced hardship never imagined on the masses. The opposition party are yet to fully organise themselves before turning to attack the present government. It now seems like a one party system is in place in the country as the governors of the PDP do not speak on a United front instead speaking separately whenever policies affect their personal interest and not the people.

It is worthy of note that while the PDP depended on  the federal government for funds in 2015 elections , the APC though it has refused to confirm reports depended solely on Rivers State (Rotimi Ameachi) and Lagos State (Raji Fashola) funds to prosecute the elections. Therefore, it is mind blowing on why the PDP can be crying out for funds while controlling oil rich states like Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa states.

Manna will not fall from heaven, meaning that until the PDP properly conducts itself, they should not expect a miracle from God when the next election comes.