Cleric, Ex-Minister, Leads Bad Governance Protest In Plateau

In Jos and several groups and associations on Thursday. Hundreds of residents, had joined the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest in the country.

This is in spite of several warnings and pleas by the government and some Civil Society Organisations in Plateau State. To citizens not to join the nationwide protest against bad governance.

The protesters came out as early as 7 am and marched through various streets. Calling for an end to bad governance and economic hardship in the country.

This Protesters were led by a former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung. And also, a cleric, Prophet Isa Elbuba. The convener of the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria.

Security agents were also on the ground. Should in case any form of violence wants to happen during the protest. This protest lasted for several hours.

Dalung, who was Minister of Youth and Sports Development under former president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, addressed the protesters. And he asked the security operatives not to intimidate protesters.

Because the amended Nigerian constitution gives rights to citizens to stage such peaceful protests.

He said that the sufferings Nigerians are facing is becoming unbearable.

Elbuba, the General Overseer of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministries International. Also called on President Bola Tinubu to resign for failing to address the situation.

Elbuba said, “President Bola Tinubu must resign, we can not wait for 2027 to change him, hunger will not allow us to endure that long.”

He also said that, he would mobilise more people to join the protest in the coming days.

According to him, Nigeria as a country has all it takes to cater for all citizens adequately. So the current economic challenges, are deliberate.

Elbuba cried out that the government had enslaved its citizens in their land. And that such must stop.

He said: “We are going to be here for the next ten days, if you don’t stand up for your rights, no one will do it for you.”

He also said that the government officials were afraid of the ongoing protest. Because they know that the policies and programmes being implemented, were anti-people.

The clergymen insisted that they would not retreat until the demands of the masses are met for a better living.

Also, a civil society organisation, Citizens Coalition against Corruption and Injustice led by Chris Iyama. Has called on Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on food security with immediate effect.

Iyama also said the current administration are executing anti-people policies. And demanded that the president set machinery in motion. To take a review of his cabinet members. And also, to sack underperforming ministers as a way of restoring good governance.

He said: “Tinubu policies have not addressed hunger, economic hardship, and insecurity. That we have been experiencing in Nigeria. This is a consequence of poor governance.”

The convener noted that there is no country in the world without a subsidy. But Tinubu removed the oil subsidy without effective management.

He said, “We demand a reversal of electricity tariff, transportation, and price control on commodities. We also want the government to cut down bogus spending on VIPs and other unwarranted demands.”

Gad Peter, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, had said Nigerian youths were only out for good governance and nothing else.

He said: “The era of rhetoric is over. We want to see a practical solution by the government, ensure the protection of lives and properties, an economy that works for all.”