A coalition of political parties in Kano state, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have jointly cautioned against the proposed nationwide protests targeting the federal and state governments.
During a press conference in Dakata Ward, Nassarawa Local Government Area, party chairmen and officials urged for dialogue and patience to allow the government to address the identified challenges.
Notable attendees included Umar Usman, APC chairman of Dakata Ward, and Sale Danbo from the NNPP, among other party leaders.
“While we fully recognize the democratic right of citizens to voice their grievances and hold their leaders accountable, we believe that the timing and nature of these protests are premature and could lead to unintended consequences that may hinder national progress.
“The federal and state governments are barely one year into their four-year terms. It is crucial to recognise that the performance of any administration cannot be fairly judged based on just one year of governance.
“Effective and sustainable development requires time, and the current government is in the process of implementing numerous policies aimed at long-term progress.
“Immediate judgments and reactions may undermine the potential benefits that these policies could yield in the coming years,” Usman said.
He noted that the federal government has taken significant steps to mitigate the economic challenges resulting from the removal of petroleum subsidies.
According to Usman, the measures include the provision of CNG Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease transportation, truckloads of grain and other essential food items to alleviate hunger, increased allocation to states and local governments to boost the financial capacity of local administrations as well as an increase in the minimum wage to support the working population, among other interventions.
Usman said: “While it is natural to feel frustrated and seek immediate change, we urge all citizens to consider constructive engagement as a more effective means of driving progress.
“Dialogue, peaceful advocacy, and collaboration with the government can yield positive results without the accompanying risks of large-scale protests.
“We encourage civil society groups, professional bodies, and individuals to engage with the government through established channels to voice their concerns and suggest viable solutions.
“We acknowledge the genuine concerns and hardships faced by many citizens. However, it is essential to give the current administration the necessary time to implement its policies and deliver on its promises.
“Our nation stands at a critical juncture, and unity, patience, and constructive dialogue are vital to navigating these challenging times.
“We must not overlook the potential danger of the proposed nationwide protests being hijacked by non-state actors to perpetrate violence, vandalism, and civil unrest. Recent history from nations such as Libya, Egypt, and Kenya teaches us that mass protests can sometimes spiral out of control, leading to widespread chaos, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
“Let us prioritise the stability and progress of our nation by allowing the government the time required to implement its policies and deliver on its commitments.”
“Together, through peaceful and constructive engagement, we can achieve the prosperity and development we all desire.”
