By Cross Udo, Abuja
Nigeria’s celebrated songwriter, musician, and entertainer, Dr Bongos Ikwue, yesterday appealed to the government and those in leadership positions to address the demands of protesting youths and the masses affected by the economic hardship, pleading that the government should be liberal in accepting both the protesters and their actions as part of the checks-and-balances of democracy.
Ikwue who X-rayed the 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests in the country expressed his willingness to execute a well – thought – out – package with local, state, and federal governments to engage the youths meaningfully and effectively to achieve the country of our dream.
The accomplished singer said youths of today were described as the apt prediction of a country’s future who should be appropriately counselled, reasonably provided for, properly guided, and monitored.
He said, “It is obvious that there is hardship in the country which can be traced to the increase in fuel pump price since most activities in the country are hinged on the use of premium motor spirit (PMS).”
The music maestro empathized with Nigerians, and even the government, who have been grappling with hunger, insecurity, violent attacks at home and on the farms, inefficient healthcare system, and inadequacy of all sorts.
He said, “Nigerian leaders should be aware that there is a paradigm shift; modern-day Nigerians have evolved to putting their leaders to task, a departure from docility.”
He contended that bad governance is not limited to governments but also our homes, communities, organisations, religious organisations, and associations.
According to him, “Everyone in a position of leadership to address the demands of protesting youths and the silent affected masses including local, state and federal governments should be liberal in accepting both the protesters and their actions as part of the checks-and-balances of democracy.”
Ikwue appealed to the youths to sheathe their sword and cultivate the culture of tasking their brains to think out pragmatic, yet simple, solutions to challenges facing us as individuals and collectively.
He advised against taking the route of violence or giving room to agents of destruction whenever the need arises for them, the youths, to relate with their leaders.
The talented singer who chided youths who believe in taking illegal routes to acquire wealth admonished them to exploit the numerous opportunities and resources that are available.
“Part of the solutions suggested to mitigate hardship in the country are reducing the demand for PMS by embracing CNG-powered vehicles, electric vehicles, building of recharge/filling stations for these vehicles; affordable mass transit scheme (tricycles inclusive); support to charity shops where food stuff would be sold at lower prices; enhanced nationwide hi-tech security architecture (particularly of ungoverned areas); meaningful youth empowerment programmes; purposeful leadership training; and concerted visible efforts at stamping out corruption within government and citizens,” he said.
He appealed to the government to open up an efficient two-way communication link for better mutual understanding of its programmes and the feelings of the public.
