Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has spoken against the planned nationwide protest.
Speaking against planned nationwide protests over hunger and hardship, Kwankwaso advised patience and support for the Bola Tinubu government.
He urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to use their votes to address economic hardships rather than protesting.
In a statement on his X handle, Kwankwaso argued that if the government fails, citizens can elect new leaders through voting.
He acknowledged the frustration behind the protests but emphasized the importance of giving the current government a chance to succeed.
Kwankwaso highlighted the dangers of protests, noting that they can lead to violence, property destruction, and deepening divisions.
He said, “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.
“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.
“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.”
Kwankwaso attributed the current economic crisis to poor leadership decisions since 2007, stressing that it could be corrected with good governance, respect for the rule of law, transparency, and accountability.
He said, “We found 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.
“This could be achieved through ensuring good governance, respect for the rule of law, transparency and accountability. 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 giving up on the country.”
The NNPP chairman pointed out recent political and economic issues, such as federal interference in Kano State chieftaincy matters, the impeachment of the Edo State Deputy Governor, political crises in Rivers State, sabotage of the Dangote refinery, and widespread insecurity, as examples of avoidable problems.
He said, “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.”
Rabiu Kwankwaso called on the country’s leaders to take steps to address these challenges and improve the welfare of citizens.
KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu had criticized those sponsoring the planned nationwide protests, claiming they don’t genuinely care about Nigeria.
