By Austin Ogwuda
CONCERNED by the looming danger over the planned nationwide protests, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has categorically listed remedies to be put in place by the Tinubu-led administration to avert the impending catastrophe.
This was contained in a Press Statement entitled ‘STATE OF THE NATION: THINGS THE PRESIDENT TINUBU-LED FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO TO AVERT THE IMPENDING DOOM’, signed by the President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba.
Below is the full text of the Statement. It reads:
- The current state of the Nigerian nation is one of great concern, as it is bedeviled with various challenges threatening our peace, stability and prosperity. From political instability to economic hardship, security threats, social inequality, environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, corruption, and governance issues, Nigeria is facing a myriad of complex problems that require immediate attention, pragmatic policies and actions by all, in and out of government.
- As our nation teeters on the brink of a proposed protest amidst unprecedented national hardship, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) urges the Federal Government and security agencies to exercise extreme caution in their responses to the agitations. We advise against inflammatory rhetoric and heavy-handed tactics, which could exacerbate tensions and plunge our nation into chaos. We equally advice all Nigerians; a peace protest is not criminal in as much as we all play according to the rules and regulations guiding such civil demonstrations.
- This proposed protest and its consequences are avoidable, If only the government takes urgent steps to faithfully address the root causes of the multifarious challenges we face as a nation that centered around bad governance. The root causes are principally that of energy scarcity and expensiveness and the astronomical hike in the cost of basic amenities i.e. foods, housing, transportation, security, health care services and water.
- At this critical time, the government must embark on constructive engagement with stakeholders with a view to providing immediate, medium term and long term remedies to the difficult situation we found ourselves. The application of brute force or any oppressive measures will only aggravate the present level of oppression and repression, the mass hunger report and formation in the midst of plenty and display of affluence by the fortunate few.
- We urge the government to take immediate steps to address the root causes of these challenges, including:
- Economic reforms to stimulate growth and reduce poverty
*Insecurity and violence plaguing our nation - Transparency and accountability in government
- Social justice and equality for all Nigerians
- Beyond focusing on the tension triggered by the proposed protest, going forwards; to salvage the nation from the impending doom and guide our nation to sustainable progress President Tinubu and his administration should prioritize the following critical actions:
- Promote National Unity and Social Cohesion.
- Address Economic Crises and Ensure Sustainable Development.
- Ensure Security and Justice for All.
- Engage in a Heart-to-Heart Conversation with Nigerians.
- Reduce the Cost of Governance.
- Promote Fiscal Federalism.
- Diversify the Economy.
- Address Environmental Degradation.
- Tackle Corruption and Governance Issues.
- Invest in Infrastructure Development.
- We urge all Nigerians especially the Ijaws and Niger delta region where the brunt of national hardship is felt to remain peaceful and law-abiding even in the midst of the planned protest if it must hold.
- In conclusion, I urge all Nigerians to come together, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation, to work towards a brighter future for our nation. Let us hold our leaders accountable, demand transparency, and actively participate in the development and progress of our country.
- Together, we can overcome the challenges that face us and build a Nigeria that we can all be proud of.
Long live Nigeria!
Signed,
Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba
President, Ijaw National Congress.