Several commercial motorcyclists in Garoua, Cameroon, took to the streets to protest against the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria. The demonstration shed light on the ongoing issue of subsidized fuel finding its way into Cameroon through illicit channels involving corrupt officials and influential figures in Nigeria’s economy.
A viral video captured the sight of these commercial motorcyclists expressing their discontent, using a combination of Fulfulde and French languages, while also directing criticism towards President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria.
Observers questioned the motivation behind the involvement of Cameroonian “Okada” riders in Nigeria’s affairs, especially if they were not reaping any benefits from the alleged unscrupulous activities linked to the country’s wealth.
The protesters in Garoua, Cameroon, seem to be focused on denouncing the removal of petrol subsidies in Nigeria. Through their local Fulfulde and French dialects, they voiced their disapproval and even resorted to cursing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The reason behind their concern lies in the fact that the petrol, which the Nigerian government borrows money to subsidize, somehow ends up in other West African nations. Consequently, the removal of subsidies has caused a rise in petrol prices in various countries within the region, leading to these protests.
A concerned Nigerian citizen, Babajide Specs Fadoju, questioned the use of Nigeria’s funds to subsidize fuel for non-Nigerians, especially when the country itself is struggling to meet its own demands. Fadoju expressed his views with the hashtag #KickOutSubsidy to #SaveOurEconomy.
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