The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has challenged Nigerian youths to hold government accountable in the new year.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stated this in a New Year message made available to journalists in Abuja, on Sunday.
She said: “Nigerian youths, let 2024 be a year you take charge of your government.
“Question the numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and contracts entered by foreign investors and the federal/state governments.
“That’s how unqualified Shell companies are uncovered and we can avoid another SolGas, GINL Ajaokuta steel & Delta steel mishap.
“Critique our bilateral agreements and treaties. Some are meaningless, obsolete, and sovereign traps. Help Nigeria escape from neo-colonialism.
“Demand monthly question-and-answer sessions with your president. Share your developmental ideas and public opinions.
“He is your president till 2027, so you might as well begin to make the best use of him for you,” she advised.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also challenged the youths to hold the politicians accountable, stressing that Nigeria is theirs to fix.
“Remember politicians’ promises are only as real as you make them by demanding accountability and recalling the un-performing amongst us.
“In 2024, intentionally critique the budget, follow the money, monitor the contracts.
“Know that every single kobo borrowed to fund the budget is a debt on all of us including the unborn children. So treat governance seriously.
“Your democratic rights don’t end at the polls. It starts there. Be involved, we shall work with you,” she added.
The senator lamented the carnage in Kaduna, the massacre in Plateau and all forms of insecurity in many parts of the country. She said all hands must be on the deck to bring them to an end.
“Indeed, 2023 was quite a remarkable year but we can’t help but think about the suffering lot and those who died only to assume that God loves them less.
“Two recent unfortunate incidents come to mind, the Tudun Biri Kaduna drone strike of the 3rd December 2023 where 88 innocent people were killed by an erroneous military air attack shouldn’t have happened at all.
“Then the Black Christmas for residents of Bokkos and Barkin communities in Plateau where over 150 people were killed by terrorists. The image of the crying baby strapped on her dead mother’s back still haunts.
“Today, millions of Nigerians live in the despair of poverty and joblessness amidst the high cost of living. Quality basic education is a luxury and our women are still held hostage for want of settling maternity bills in poorly fit healthcare facilities,” she lamented.
Sunday Aborisade
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