In a show of solidarity with the planned nationwide protest from August 1 to 10, 2024, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, a group of Northern elders and stakeholders have thrown their weight behind the movement, demanding urgent action from the President Bola Tinubu-led government to address the country’s debilitating challenges.
The elders and stakeholders, who signed a statement obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, include Prof. Usman Yusuf, Hajia Najatu Muhammad, Mallam Salihu Lukman, and Dr. Umar Ardo. They lamented that Nigeria has been plagued by unprecedented insecurity, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, diseases, and high cost of living, all stemming from bad governance and corruption.
The group emphasized the constitutional right of citizens to assemble and protest, acknowledging the legitimacy of the protesters’ grievances. They urged the government to engage directly with the youth leaders, implement meaningful reforms, invest in youth development programs, enhance economic development, improve governance, ensure security for protesters, and lead by example.
The statement reads, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the protesting youths, urging them to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We call on our leaders and governments at all levels to be responsive and demonstrate commitment to the freedom of all citizens to express themselves freely without provocation.”
This endorsement by Northern elders and stakeholders adds significant momentum to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, which seeks to hold the government accountable for its promises and drive meaningful change in the country’s fortunes. As tensions build and the protest deadline draws near, the Tinubu government faces mounting pressure to address the demands of the people and ensure a more stable and prosperous future for Nigeria.