Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, Joseph Evah, has made startling allegations against former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, calling it worse than the Nigeria civil war. In an interview with Media Talk Africa, the Ijaw environmental activist delved into various issues, including the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s government, the call for restructuring, the ongoing kidnapping crisis, and the fight against corruption. Here are the key highlights from the interview:
President Bola Tinubu’s Performance:
Evah emphasized the urgency of addressing the escalating insecurity in the country, citing the recent spate of kidnappings of school children. He urged Tinubu to take decisive action within the promised one-year timeframe to prevent Nigeria from descending into lawlessness akin to Haiti.
The Call for Restructuring:
Evah reiterated the importance of restructuring as a solution to Nigeria’s challenges, advocating for a return to the parliamentary system. He warned that failure to implement restructuring could lead to repercussions for Tinubu and his descendants within the Yoruba community.
Kidnapping Crisis:
Evah attributed the persistence of kidnapping to the lack of prosecution during Buhari’s tenure, highlighting the need for a strong stance against criminals. He urged the current president to demonstrate strength and decisiveness to deter kidnappers and restore security.
Minimum Wage and Economic Challenges:
The activist dismissed the focus on minimum wage as a solution to economic woes, pointing out deeper issues such as inflation and foreign control through organizations like the IMF and World Bank. He criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress for diverting attention from fundamental economic problems.
Fuel Subsidy Reinstatement:
Evah questioned the rationale behind the reinstatement of fuel subsidy, expressing confusion over conflicting statements from government officials. He called on President Tinubu to assert his leadership and address the pressing economic issues facing Nigerians.
Fight Against Corruption:
Evah emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals of integrity to combat corruption effectively. He drew parallels with past leaders like Yakubu Gowon, who managed Nigeria’s economy without borrowing during the civil war. He urged Tinubu to seek wisdom from historical figures and prioritize the fight against corruption.
Frank Kokori’s Demise:
Reflecting on the neglect of Frank Kokori, a hero of the June 12 struggle, Evah criticized the abandonment of Kokori by both government officials and civil society activists. He highlighted the Delta State Government’s support for Kokori in his final days, contrasting it with the indifference of former comrades and journalists who benefited from Kokori’s activism.
In conclusion, Joseph Evah’s impassioned interview sheds light on critical issues facing Nigeria and calls for decisive action from the government to address the country’s challenges. His words serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of integrity, leadership, and solidarity in navigating Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.
