As the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, approaches, former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the organizers to reconsider their plans. Instead, he advocates for regime change through democratic means, emphasizing the power of the ballot over protests.
In
a statement personally signed on Friday night, Kwankwaso stressed that
effective and lasting change can be achieved through voting rather than
demonstrations.
Advocating
for Democratic Change
"It
is with a deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current
situation in Nigeria," Kwankwaso stated. He noted that the country is
experiencing avoidable hardship due to missteps by leaders since 2007. However,
he believes there is always room for correction and setting the nation on the
right path towards economic development, prosperity, and better welfare for its
citizens.
Highlighting
Governance Failures
Kwankwaso
highlighted several crises stemming from poor governance, including:
- Federal
interference in Kano State’s chieftaincy matters
- The
impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State
- Political
turmoil in Rivers State
- Widespread
insecurity
He
remarked, "Interferences by the Federal Government into the affairs of the
chieftaincy matters in Kano State, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo
State, political crisis 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."
Urging
Leaders for Accountability
Kwankwaso
pointed out that these issues are symptomatic of a lack of accountability and
transparency. "It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor
governance has plunged the citizens, especially youth, into hunger, insecurity,
hopelessness, and a sense of giving up on the country," he remarked.
He
called on Nigerian leaders at all levels to urgently address these challenges
by ensuring good governance and adherence to the rule of law.
Recognizing
the Call for Protests
Acknowledging
the recent calls for protests, Kwankwaso recognized the collective frustration
and yearning for a better Nigeria but cautioned against the potential
consequences of such actions. He urged Nigerians to consider the power of their
vote as the most effective tool for change.
"In
these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective
frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to
protest is strong. As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns
and your desire for change. However, I urge you to consider the consequences of
national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful
means of transformation through the power of your ballot," Kwankwaso
advised.
Warning
Against Violence
Kwankwaso
warned that protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often escalate into
violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread
chaos. "The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate
moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among
us," he noted.
A Call
for Unity
"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. Let us put our country first and work together to build the Nigeria we all aspire to see," Kwankwaso advocated.
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