The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in Gombe State has called for caution following the end bad governance nationwide protest which commenced on Thursday.
Our correspondent reports that ANGO an association with over 98 membership in Gombe State, expressed worry over the consequences of further deterioration of violence in the state.
According to a press statement which was signed by its Chairman Idris Maigari, Vice Chairperson Gloria Usman and Secretary Bachama Yusuf, with the title; #End bad governance protest. A call for social justice and civic responsibility’, ANGO called for peaceful resolution of the challenges.
The association which had backed out of the protest on Wednesday said “Nigeria is currently faced with one of the challenging times, triggered by Economic policies that have led to widespread hunger, hardship, and alarming uncertainties among the majority of its citizens. This has also been further exacerbated by insecurity in various parts of the Country, making daily life a struggle for many Nigerians, hence the Nationwide End Bad Governance protest geared for August 1 – 10th, 2024.
“Fundamental among the concerns of the Nigerian citizens is the concern on Systemic corruption, Poor Governance, evident in reckless government spending and neglect of the Welfare and living condition of the citizens – and we are the citizens.”
While recognising the steps taken by the Federal Government in response to tackling the agitations on the sufferings of Nigerians including “the Local Government Autonomy, the new Minimum Wage, cutting down on cost of Governance by 50 per cent, suspension of all Foreign trips by Government officials, Students Loan, suspension of import duties on essential items. etc.”
“However, it remains loud and clear that Nigerians are still waiting for real steps and actions that demonstrate more empathy and sacrifice with immediate impact while citizens endure and hope for the better.
“We believe very strongly that only robust, inclusive, and all-encompassing Dialogue and consultations between the Government and the citizens can strengthen trust, and resonate with the citizens that the response to these challenges are truly in place, and in the sincere interest of the generality of Nigerians.
“The fact that people are suffering, and there is severe hunger among most of the citizens and homes in the State and Nigeria at large. And this requires immediate and decisive action.
“There is need for all palliative interventions and Social Investment Programmes to reach the citizens. The Federal Government, the State Government, and the National Assembly members in the State to double efforts to reach the people urgently.”
On the association’s call to action, the statement added, We call on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, release and deliver all said Palliatives to the State for the State Government to access and reach out to the people to cushion the hardship of the people.
“We call on and encourage the State Government to keep to its commitment and ensure all efforts are yield immediate, and longer term result. Let there be something done differently and immediately to affirm solidarity with the People, whom Governance is meant to serve.
“We call on our dear Citizens, to prioritise our collective development as a people and as a State, and take sacrificial responsibility in ensuring that our State Gombe remains peaceful, intact, and on track to sustain our gains of Development as prosperous people – Gombawa!”
Also speaking, Assistant Secretary of ANGO Yahaya Mohammed, urged youths to remain calm, saying “Use the rightful way of dialogue to get results am sure government is ready to listen to them. We are in the northern region where we respect our leaders. They should aggregate their demands.”
On his part, Chairman of ANGO, Maigari, also appealed to government to expedite action on the oil exploration between Gombe and Bauchi States.
“Government should as a matter of urgency expedite action on exploration of crude in northern region. This will engage more youths and am certain it will go a long way in reducing joblessness,” Maigari added.
