The presidential candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has appealed to Nigerian Youths to shelve the planned nationwide protest set for August 1st.
In a statement, the Kano-born personally signed on Saturday, he called on the organisers of the protest and the citizens to end an incompetent government through the ballot rather than protests.
He stated that the hardships faced by Nigerians is as a result of leadership failures since 2007.
He believes these hardships could have been avoided and urges a shift towards good governance, rule of law, transparency, and accountability to set the country on a path to economic development and better welfare for all citizens.
Kwankwaso listed several issues that have caused frustration among Nigerians. These include the Federal Government’s interference in chieftaincy matters in Kano State, the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crises in Rivers State, sabotage of the Aliko Dangote refinery, controversies around the SAMOA agreement, conflict between Senator Ali Ndume and the APC Leadership, and widespread insecurity and criminal acts. He therefore called on leaders at all levels to address these challenges urgently.
He said, “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 necessary support to succeed. If any government fails to provide the necessary leadership for better Nigeria, we will have opportunity as citizens to elect the people who can bring the required change using our votes.”
He continued, “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.
“Protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often come with unforeseen and dire consequences. The tragic events of the past have shown us that protests can 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.”
