Yoruba group calls for calmness amidst anger, asks Tinubu to prioritize pro-people’s policies

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Yoruba Global Council (YGC), a diaspora-based socio-cultural organization, has urged Nigerians to cancel their planned “End Bad Governance” protest, scheduled for August 1, 2024.

In a virtual meeting on July 28, 2024, attended by over 60 members from Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia, the YGC appealed for calm.

In a joint statement by Prince Segun Akanni, General Secretary, and Otunba Tunji Akinyele, Director of Mobilization and Public Engagement, the YGC acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but expressed concerns that the impending demonstration could disrupt government activities at a critical time. Instead, the YGC called on President Tinubu to prioritize policies that benefit the people.

The group has appealed to Nigerians to cut off the planned protest and grant the Government little time to make swift changes that will ease the burden on Nigerians.

The group also reminds Nigerians of the adverse effects of protests, particularly recalling the events during the “EndSars” protest. They highlighted how some unscrupulous elements exploited the situation to loot personal properties and vandalize government properties, such as burning down BRT buses in Lagos and vandalization of many government infrastructures across the country. To prevent a recurrence of such events, YGC urges Nigerians to reconsider their proposed protest.

“We respectfully call Nigerians to embrace dialogue, and encourage the government to engage the stakeholders, such as traditional leaders, religious leaders, political leaders and eminent personalities for a robust discussion to end the ongoing hardships faced by Nigerian. Development can only thrive in a peaceful environment. Let us all be united and collectively tackle the prevailing economic hardship confronting Nigeria.

“More efforts must be made, and more measures should be taken to improve the current situation of Nigerians. We believe that President Tinubu is committed to the ongoing reforms and should be supported by all well-meaning Nigerians, both at home and in diaspora” The group stated

Additionally, YGC advised the government of President Bola Tinubu to prioritize policies that positively impact the masses. They commended Tinubu’s bold steps over the decision to fight for the financial autonomy of local governments in the country and urged him to allow INEC to conduct local government elections instead of state governments.

The group also recommends organizing seminars for all 774 local government chairmen in Abuja, whereby Mr. President will educate them on integrity, dedication, and commitment to national development and to warn against the mismanagement of public funds.

The group emphasized the importance of local governments as the closest tier of government to the people and urged them to make Nigeria proud.

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