Nigeria’s Governor Blames Decades of Maladministration for Protests

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has attributed the country’s frequent protests to decades of maladministration. Speaking to a coalition of Gombe youths and students groups on a solidarity visit to the Gombe State Government House against a planned nationwide strike, Yahaya emphasized the need for peaceful resolution to address the root causes of the protests.

The governor expressed concern about the possible consequences of violent protests, stating that no leader in their right senses would encourage violence to prevail in society. He warned that if violence is allowed, it would lead to a breakdown of law and order, disrupting schools, markets, and overall economic activities.

Yahaya blamed the root cause of the protests on decades of maladministration, citing miscalculations that have taken place over the years. He assured that the leadership under his guidance is committed to correcting these mistakes and taking the country forward to the next level. He also highlighted the introduction of students’ loan schemes by President Bola Tinubu, which aims to support students and parents, and the decision not to increase student fees in Gombe State.

The governor urged those planning protests to seek necessary approvals, emphasizing that the state government is opposed to violent protests, demonstrations, and economic hardship. He reiterated that the goal is to take Nigeria to prosperity, and that peaceful means are necessary to achieve this objective.

As the debate around protests and governance continues to simmer in Nigeria, Yahaya’s remarks highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of social unrest and economic challenges.