Kwankwaso also listed some political crises which emanated due to how the Tinubu-led administration handled them
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has admonished the organizers of the upcoming nationwide protest to shelve the plan, urging them to effect regime change through the ballot in 2027.
He gave the advice on Friday night in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists.
His counsel comes ahead of the nationwide protest scheduled to hold between August 1 to 10, 2024.
According to Kwankwaso, regime change through democratic means would be more efficient against an incompetent government than protests.
The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), also noted that effective and lasting change can only be achieved through the power of the ballots not demonstration.
He said, “It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current situation in Nigeria.
“We find ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007.
“However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity, and better welfare of citizens.”
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He went on to list some of the political crises which emanated due to poor handling by the current administration.
“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 AIiko 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,” he added.
The ANPP chieftain further argued the listed occurrences under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration were symptomatic of 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,” Kwankwaso remarked.
He called on Nigerian leaders at all levels to urgently address those challenges by ensuring good governance and adherence to the rule of law.
Acknowledging the recent calls for protests, Kwankwaso recognized the collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria but urged the citizens of the country to consider the power of their vote as the most effective tool for change.
Kwankwaso warned that protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often escalated 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.
“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,” he further said.