CEPEJ Calls on President Tinubu to Address #EndBadGovernance and #Hunger Protest
WARRI/Nigeria: The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), a leading civil society organization, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the ongoing #EndBadGovernance and #Hunger protests sweeping across Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja, CEPEJ’s National Coordinator, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, emphasized the need for the President to directly engage with the protesters. Sheriff also called on demonstrators to remain peaceful and adhere to legal directives to prevent the protests from being hijacked by miscreants.
“Protesting is a fundamental constitutional right,” said Sheriff. “However, citizens must obey the laws of the land. More than 80 percent of Nigerians are indirectly involved in these protests due to widespread hunger and hardship.”
CEPEJ acknowledged President Tinubu’s efforts in his first year in office, noting significant actions such as the signing of the 2023 Electricity Bill into law, the unification of the Naira, the removal of fuel subsidies, the establishment of the Tax and Fiscal Reforms Committee, and granting financial autonomy to local governments. Despite these measures, the organization urged the President to address the grievances of the protesters by outlining concrete steps to alleviate hunger and suffering.
“The President should consider forming a joint-stakeholders committee to address the issues raised by Nigerians,” the statement continued. “This committee should work with a clear timeline to implement solutions to prevent future unrest.”
CEPEJ also expressed sympathy for those who have lost loved ones and property during the protests.
“We urge the Federal, State, and Local Governments to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the dividends of democracy and good governance,” Sheriff stated.
“The cost of governance in Nigeria must be addressed to prevent continuous protests that could escalate into a full-blown crisis.”
Highlighting the widespread impact of the protests, Sheriff added, “Over 80% of Nigerians are indirectly involved, not just the few on the streets. We appeal to President Tinubu to take immediate steps to avert a potential disaster. Hunger knows no boundaries and respects neither religion nor tribe. The government should be proactive rather than reactive.”
CEPEJ’s appeal underscores the urgent need for leadership and decisive action to address the root causes of the protests and bring relief to millions of struggling Nigerians.
