Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has called for calm and constructive engagement as the country navigates a period of significant challenges. Kwankwaso’s speech, rich with concern and hope, highlighted both the pressing issues facing Nigeria and the potential pathways to a brighter future.
Kwankwaso began by acknowledging the hardships currently faced by Nigerians, attributing these challenges to “missed steps since 2007” by the country’s leadership. He emphasized the importance of good governance, transparency, and accountability, noting that these are critical for fostering economic development and improving citizens’ welfare. “It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance plunged the citizens, especially youth, into anger, hunger, insecurity, hopelessness, and about giving up on the country,” he remarked.
He specifically called out several instances of governmental mismanagement and interference, including issues in Kano State’s chieftaincy matters, the political crisis in Rivers State, and controversies surrounding the SAMOA agreement. Kwankwaso urged leaders at all levels to “take necessary steps to address the myriad challenges facing the country.”
Addressing recent calls for protests, Kwankwaso expressed empathy for the public’s frustrations, yet urged caution. “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 also warned of the potential dangers of such actions, citing past incidents where protests escalated into violence and chaos. “Protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often come with unforeseen and dire consequences,” Kwankwaso cautioned, urging Nigerians to instead focus on the power of the ballot to effect change.
Kwankwaso’s speech struck a balance between critique and hope. He acknowledged the nation’s current struggles but also highlighted the opportunity for citizens to drive change through democratic means. “If any government fails to provide the necessary leadership for a better Nigeria, we will have the opportunity as citizens to elect the people who can bring the required change using our votes,” he concluded, encouraging patience and support for the current government while preparing for future elections.
