ALBNI Rejects Calls For Military Takeover, Seeks Gov’t Response To Protesters’ Demands

ALBNI Rejects Calls for Military Takeover, Seeks Gov’t Response to Protesters’ Demands

The Accountable Leadership for Better Nigeria Initiative (ALBNI) acknowledges the widespread concerns and legitimate grievances expressed by Nigerian citizens through the ongoing protests to address the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu which have been blamed for the prevailing economic hardship, hunger and rising costs of living in the country.

ALBNI recognises the significant challenges confronting Nigerians, including economic hardship, hunger, corruption, and the need for electoral reforms as being championed by the citizens in some states across the nation.

In light of recent developments, ALBNI strongly opposes calls for regime change as being championed in certain quarters.

Our democracy is built on the principles of constitutional governance and the rule of law.

Resorting to calls for regime change undermines democratic processes and destabilises our nation and rubbishes the essence of long battle by democratic forces to ease out decades of unaccountable military dictatorship in our nation.

We urge all stakeholders to focus on constructive dialogue and solutions within the framework of our democratic institutions to address the prevailing economic challenges plaguing Nigeria.

While also conscious of the violence that has greeted the #EndBadGovernance protests in some states, we call on security agencies to exercise utmost professionalism and caution in handling the protests.

Nevertheless, while commending the restraints by some section of the law enforcement agents, it is imperative that these agencies protect lawful protesters from infiltration by hoodlums and criminal elements who seek to disrupt and exploit the situation for their own agenda.

The right to peaceful protest is inviolable fundamental aspect of our democracy, and it is crucial that security forces uphold the law while ensuring the safety of all participants.

ALBNI also urge the government at all levels to address the legitimate demands of the protesters. As such, we call for immediate and long-term innovations to alleviate the economic hardships and hunger being faced by Nigerians with policies that permit availability of food items and other essential commodities, while government at all levels fund measures to grow foods to meet the local demands across the country.

ALBNI views this as very imperative and an urgent initiative that must be embraced, particularly at the grassroots with the recent return of full financial autonomy to LGAs.

This will support sufficient local production to also ease the burden of unemployment which have been held liable for the spate of insecurity and poverty in our country.

We call for a strengthened efforts to combat corruption at all levels of government and the society with broader emphasis to highlight all-inclusive and truly independent agencies that enjoy the trust of the populace and weaned from political interference.

ALBNI joins in the advocacy for Electoral Reforms through non-political selection of leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in our electoral processes.

It is also important at this point to demand immediate cut down in costs of governance by political and public office holders without further delay, as there is no basis for political appointees and heads institutions from the federal to the LGAs and their aides to be moving in fleet of expensive cars at the expense of the hungry tax payers.

An open and inclusive dialogue between the government and civil society is also imperative and required to address frustrations of protesters’ and grievances of long suffering citizens who have not hit the streets to build trust and foster a more participatory governance approach.

We believe that through collaborative efforts and respectful dialogue, we can address the pressing issues facing our nation.

The path forward requires a commitment to democratic principles, responsible governance, and a willingness to engage constructively with the voices of the Nigerian people.

The protesters are therefore enjoined to take the advantage of the opportunity offered by President Bola Tinubu and Governors in states to embrace peaceful resolution to the dreadful economic situation facing our compatriots.

We also call on all Nigerians and lovers of our painfully gained democracy to rein in all anti-democratic elements seeking to hide under the ongoing protests to undermine the civil rule without which the space to ventilate such grievances as the hardship protests might not have been possible.

ALBNI remains committed to advocating for an accountable, transparent, democratic and better Nigeria that foster positive change for the majority, and indeed, all Nigerians.

e-Signed:

Remi Adebayo – Executive Director

Monday Adjeh – Director, Legal Matters