By Billy Graham Abel, Yola
Former Senator representing Adamawa central, Abubakar Girei has declared that the #EndBadGovernance protest a success, even if no Nigerian takes to the streets.
He believes the protest has already achieved its goal by prompting the government to listen and take action on issues bedeviling Nigerians.
Senator Girei made this declaration in a press statement issued to Daily Sun, over the weekend in Yola Adamawa state.
Girei, who represented Adamwa central at the Senate emphasized that the Tinubu administration must introduce reforms in critical sectors affecting the nation.
Girei said, president Tinubu must address issues such as the nation’s ailing security system, the condition of non functional refineries, and pervasive economic corruption challenges in the country.
He stated that while Nigerians are increasingly aware of their hunger and frustration, immediate government action is needed to improve the economic climate.
Girei credited the protests with initiating significant government responses, including tax waivers on imported food, minimum wage reforms, and agricultural incentives. He argued that the agitation has led to crucial changes, with the government now actively working to address the country’s socio-economic issues.
Despite this progress, Girei urged organizers to postpone any further protests, citing ongoing discussions between the National Assembly and the executive branch to prevent potential risks associated with the demonstrations, such as hijacking by disruptive elements.
Girei outlined several recommendations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including:
Establishing state police and improving security personnel’s equipment and welfare, addressing corruption within security systems, Revitalizing refineries and overhauling NNPCL and related agencies, implementing a supplementary budget of one trillion naira for agriculture and two trillion naira for national security.
Girei further outlined that, Completing the implementation of the Oronsanye Report to streamline government agencies and reduce costs would be an important show of his intentions for reform, aligning petrol and electricity prices with average income levels and reforming subsidy administration.
Additionally, Girei called for an independent commission to investigate and recover funds from the past 12 years, addressing issues related to oil and gas sector theft, mismanagement of financial resources, and fraud in tax and revenue systems.
Girei’s statement reflects a belief that the protest’s impact has already prompted a necessary shift in government responsiveness and policy, urging a cooperative approach to furthering the country’s progress.