Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has leveled six political and economic allegations against President Bola Tinubu, urging Nigerians to focus their efforts on voting rather than protesting.
In a statement released on Saturday concerning the anticipated #EndBadGovernment protest, the former Kano governor voiced his concerns about the current state of Nigeria, blaming the nation’s challenges on inadequate leadership since 2007.
He asserted that proper governance, adherence to the rule of law, transparency, and accountability are key to redirecting the nation’s trajectory towards economic growth and prosperity.
Kwankwaso highlighted that subpar governance has resulted in widespread discontent, hunger, insecurity, and despair, especially among the youth.
The 2023 presidential candidate listed several examples of avoidable crises in Tinubu’s government, including political interference, sabotage, and insecurity, and appealed to leaders to address these challenges.
According to Kwankwaso, six avoidable cases that happened under Tinubu’s presidency are; “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 of 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 then called on Nigerians to be patient and supportive of the government but also to hold them accountable through their votes if they fail to deliver.
He also caution against protests, citing the potential for violence and chaos, and instead encourage citizens to channel their energy into peaceful means of transformation, such as voting for change.
The statement reads; “It is with a 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 the necessary support to succeed. If any government fails to provide the necessary leadership for better Nigeria, we will have the opportunity as citizens to elect the people who can bring the required change using our votes.
