#Endbadgovt : PRESS CONFERENCE DELIVERED BY THE FORMER NANS LEADERS FORUM (FNANSLF)
Gentlemen of the Press,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fellow Comrades,
We welcome you once again to this Press Conference being the second in series and as a follow up to the earlier State of the Nation (Nigeria) Address delivered by our noble Association on Monday 22nd July, 2024; where we promised to amongst other things call for Congress, interact with relevant Stakeholders and Sister Organizations before making our positions known especially on the vexed issue of the planned protest scheduled to commence on the first day of August, 2024.
We would like to say straight away that we empathize with our Fellow Compatriots especially in this seemingly difficult moments in our Nation’s history. We acknowledge the wide spread frustration over the high cost of living, the increased cost of transportation, the inadequacy and the exorbitant cost of medical services that have left many Citizens without access to necessary healthcare and the regrettable collapse of viable means of livelihoods that have resulted in severe economic despairs for most Nigerians.
We Have considered the above situations in the Country, we agree that the Right To Protest remains an inalienable right of every Citizen especially the right to peaceful protest as ultimately enshrined in our Constitution but again, it only appeals to reasoning that the Present Federal Government having just spent One year in Office is certainly not a sufficient time scale to either measure or process their capabilities, taking into cognizance the numerous efforts and programmes of the New Government geared towards eradicating Youth Unemployment, Food Shortages and reversing the ailing Nigeria’s basic infrastructures.
More so, in a threat and risk assessment, we foresee the possibility of the planned protest being hijacked by anti democratic forces especially considering past incidences where supposedly peaceful protest metamorphosed into violence and escalated into avoidable mayhem on unsuspecting citizens of Nigeria, Some of these scenarios are still fresh in our hearts, we recalled vividly how during these unrest, several lives and properties were lost; businesses, Bank Branches and ATM Points vandalized and carted away with major avenues blocked for several days on end causing unbearable hardship on our people. This is not what we want now as a Country!
While we acknowledge the positive steps by this New Government, we also urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to double his efforts in delivering good governance. The challenges facing our nation are enormous and the expectations of Nigerians are high. It is imperative that the Government hasten efforts especially in what they are currently doing in the areas of Economic Prosperity, Job Creation, and Security so as to quickly alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians
We understand that good governance is not only about formulating policies but also about their effective and transparent implementation. The government must ensure that these policies translate into tangible benefits for all citizens especially alleviating the hardships faced by many and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous economy.
FNANSLF, remains steadfast in our commitment to contributing our own quota in this seemingly trying moments towards the realization of Mr President’s overall governance goals for the Country.
We are ready to collaborate with the government, civil society, and all stakeholders to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of our nation. We shall avail the Federal Government our spread, experience, dedication and positioning to uniquely resolve these impasses and serve as a bridge between the government and the people.
Having interacted and consulted the wide spectrum of major Stakeholders, Congresses and Sister Organizations. Our Position is that;
The Right To Protest remains an inalienable right of every Citizen especially the right to peaceful protest as ultimately enshrined in our Constitution
The Federal Government must endeavour to protect the lives and rights of every Protester.
And in turn and as a mark of patriotism, no Protester must be allowed to infringe on the rights of other Nigerians who are not in support of their protests and must take responsibilities to deter from wanton destruction of properties.
As part of our Medium Term Solutions that the FRANS calls for a NATIONAL DIALOGUE to provide the Platform that would assist the Federal Government connect to the people with a view to resolving present and future impasse of this magnitude within the 774 LGA’s of Nigeria.
These Resolutions should be communicated through an International Press Conference as the Position of the FNANSLF on the Planned Nationwide Protest and effectively disseminated to All Medias.
Furthermore, we plead with all Nigerians to remain hopeful and optimistic. Let us support our government in its endeavors and work together to build a Nigeria where justice, peace, and prosperity prevail. The road ahead may be challenging, but with unity and perseverance, we can achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
FNANSLF
Signed.
Tijani kabiru Mohammed
Former NANS President 1999/2000
National convener /Chairman
