Former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has cautioned Nigerians against engaging in protests.
Kwankwaso instead urged citizens to exercise patience and support the government amid the ongoing hardships.
In a formal address on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Kwankwaso emphasised that protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often lead to violence and chaos.
In his address titled “Address To Nigerians: The Power Of The Ballot Over Protest,” the former Senator expressed his deep concern for the nation’s current state.
“We found ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007,” he stated.
He emphasised the need for corrective measures to set the country on the right track towards economic development, prosperity, and improved welfare for citizens through good governance, respect for the rule of law, transparency, and accountability.
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Kwankwaso highlighted several issues plaguing the nation to include federal interference in Kano State chieftaincy matters, the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crises in Rivers State, sabotage of the Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding the SAMOA agreement, conflicts within the APC leadership, and widespread insecurity and criminal acts.
He lamented that poor governance had plunged many, especially the youth, into anger, hunger, insecurity, and hopelessness.
Addressing the recent calls for protests against bad governance, Kwankwaso acknowledged the collective frustration and desire for change among Nigerians.
“The recent calls for protests against bad governance resonate with me, as they reflect our collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria,” he said.
However, he urged Nigerians to prioritise the nation’s stability by exercising patience and providing the government with the necessary support to succeed.
“I urge Nigerians to put our country first before any other consideration by way of being patient with the government and giving it all necessary support to succeed,” Kwankwaso appealed.
He stressed that if the current government fails to deliver, citizens have the power to elect new leaders through the ballot.
The former NNPP presidential candidate cautioned against the potential consequences of national protests, citing past instances where protests escalated into violence, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos.
“The tragic events of the past have shown us that protests can escalate into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos,” he warned.
Kwankwaso expressed his belief in the power and potential of Nigeria, urging citizens to channel their energy towards peaceful and democratic means of transformation.
“As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change. However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation through the power of your ballot,” he said.
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