Protest Calls for Better Governance in Nigeria
In a recent statement, the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to stop living lavishly at the expense of the majority of Nigerians. The group also urged the President to show sensitivity and leadership to the plight of ordinary Nigerians by leading in making sacrifices through cutting down on excessive government spending.
Convener of IBBN, Prophet Isa El-Buba, made these demands while briefing journalists in Jos, the Plateau State Capital on Monday. He emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity among Nigerians, stating that the recent protests across the country have shown that Nigerians are not and can never be slaves to anti-poor policies.
The protests, which began four days ago, have been largely peaceful, with demonstrators demanding better governance and an end to corruption. However, the situation took a deadly turn when over 40 Nigerians were massacred and several others injured in other parts of the country largely by security operatives and state-sponsored thugs.
El-Buba condemned the violence, stating that Nigerians will continue to resist peacefully until their demands are met. He also criticized President Tinubu’s recent speech, which failed to address the specific demands of protesters. Instead, the President focused on praising the protests, which El-Buba saw as self-serving.
The group’s demands include abolishing spending plans that benefit the President and his cronies, such as the allocation of N150 billion for a Presidential Jet and N13.5 billion for the renovation of the Presidential Villa. They also called for the President to relieve non-performing Ministers and bring on board a crack team of technocrats to deliver on every sector.
El-Buba emphasized the importance of addressing corruption, which he believes is holding the country back. He urged the President to support the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute high-profile corruption cases without hindrance.
The peaceful protests are set to continue until the President’s demands are met, with El-Buba stressing that Nigerians will not be silenced until their voices are heard.
