ActionAid Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu as a matter of urgency to immediately address the nation on the ongoing protest against bad governance.
A statement on Friday read, “ActionAid Nigeria’s stands with the courageous Nigerians taking to the streets in the #EndBadGovernance protests. The demands for pro-poor policies are not just valid; they are urgent and necessary. Inflation is crippling livelihoods, and some of the government’s current spending priorities are out of touch with the harsh realities faced by millions of Nigerians.
“In the face of widespread protests and rising public discontent, it would be disheartening for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain in the background, sending spokespersons to address the nation on his behalf.
“The President must immediately address the nation, acknowledge the grievances and concerns driving the #EndBadGovernance protests, and provide a detailed plan, complete with clear, time-bound actions, to address bad governance and adopt pro-poor policies that can alleviate the severe economic hardships currently being faced.”
ActionAid added that: “The recent court rulings restricting protests to specific locations such as the National Stadium in FCT, Peace Park and Freedom Park in Lagos, and Metropolitan Square in Kwara leave much to be desired and set a dangerous precedent that could curtail citizens’ rights to free expression. These restrictions stifle the voice of the people and undermine the essence of democratic protest. If the President, Governors, and lawmakers are not visiting these restricted locations to hear the people’s complaints firsthand, these limitations only serve to further alienate the government from the people it is meant to serve.”
The statement added that: “ActionAid Nigeria’s situation room has observed alarming incidents of unprovoked police violence in Abuja, Lagos and some other locations. In these cities, tear gas was used against peaceful protesters without provocation, violating their rights and escalating tensions unnecessarily. This brutality is in stark contrast to the commendable actions of some police officers who have protected protesters and maintained peace in certain locations. However, the instances of violence cannot be ignored or excused, especially as about twenty people have been killed across various protest locations in Nigeria.
“Additionally, the protests in Kano, Ibadan, Edo, and Kaduna have been hijacked by hoodlums, leading to looting and vandalism. These hijacking challenges the legitimate demands of the protesters and create an environment of chaos and insecurity. Police must address this situation urgently to restore order and ensure the safety of all citizens involved in the protests and properties. Those individuals looting and destroying public and private properties should not be regarded as genuine protesters; they should be dealt with according to the law.
“ActionAid Nigeria is calling on both pro and anti-protesters to ensure their demonstrations remain peaceful and respectful. We also demand that the President urgently and directly address the nation and outline specific measures to tackle the issues arising. The demands of the protesters are simple: transparency, accountability, and policies that prioritise the welfare of the people. These should be fundamental duties of any government, not concessions wrung from it through protest.
“Our situation room is actively monitoring the protests and the government’s response. We have teams deployed across the country, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that their rights are protected. We reiterate that the time for action is now. The future of Nigeria depends on responsive, responsible, and people-centred governance. The demands of the #EndBadGovernance protesters are a clarion call for change that must be heeded.”
Michael Olugbode
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