- Cautions Against Violent Protests
Former Presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Saturday added another dimension to the lingering tension over proposed nationwide protests as he fingered alleged irresponsible leadership as part of the factors causing anger among Nigerians.
Kwankwaso said the anger of young Nigerians resonates with him adding that the government at the centre has proved to be insensitive to some of the issues fuelling agitations.
According to the former Governor of Kano state, the interference in the emirate tussles in Kano, the alleged sabotage of the newly established Dangote Refinery, the impeachment of the Edo state deputy governor, the crisis between the Rivers state governor Sim Fubara and his estranged godfather and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and many others are some of the issues that have complicated the tension in the land.
Kwankwaso said, “It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance plunged the citizens, especially youth, into anger, hunger, insecurity, hopelessness and about giving up on the country. “Interferences by the Federal Government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano State, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crises in Rivers State, sabotage to Aliko Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding SAMOA agreement, the conflict between Sen. Ali Ndume and the APC Leadership, widespread insecurity and other criminal acts are a few examples of avoidable and unnecessary crises.”
He appealed to the leadership of the country “at all levels to take necessary steps to address the myriad challenges facing the country.”
While accusing the present leadership of failure to do the right thing, Kwankwaso however cautioned against violent protest noting that such could only further compound the present challenges.
Read Full Text of Kwankwaso’s State Below:
My Fellow Nigerians, It is with deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current situation in Nigeria. We found ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007. However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity and better welfare of citizens.
This could be achieved through ensuring good governance, respect for the rule of law, transparency and accountability. It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance plunged the citizens, especially youth, into anger, hunger, insecurity, hopelessness and about giving up on the country. Interferences by the Federal Government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano State, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crises in Rivers State, sabotage to Aliko Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding SAMOA agreement, the conflict between Sen. Ali Ndume and the APC Leadership, widespread insecurity and other criminal acts are a few examples of avoidable and unnecessary crises. We appeal to the leadership of the country at all levels to take necessary steps to address the myriad challenges facing the country.
Today, I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation. The recent calls for protests against bad governance resonate with me, as they reflect our collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria.
However, I urge Nigerians to put our country first before any other consideration by way of being patient with the government and giving it all necessary support to succeed. If any government fails to provide the necessary leadership for better Nigeria, we will have opportunity as citizens to elect the people who can bring the required change using our votes. In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong. As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change.
However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation—through the power of your ballot. Protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often come with unforeseen and dire consequences. The tragic events of the past have shown us that protests can escalate into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos. The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.