By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigerians are heavily devastated under President Bola Ahmed administration, ex-military leader, General Abdulsalaam Abubakar and Bishop Matthew Kukah lament, to host crucial meeting in Abuja.
The meeting aims to address the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerians, which have fallen short of the government’s well-intentioned policies designed to enhance citizens’ lives.
The National Peace Committee (NPC) chaired by former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and convened by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, is set to hold a crucial stakeholders meeting on September 26, 2024, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
The meeting aims to address the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerians, which have fallen short of the government’s well-intentioned policies designed to enhance citizens’ lives.
The committee’s statement highlights the increasing frustration among the populace, exacerbated by recent nationwide protests demanding action against hunger and economic hardship.
They said the protests reflect the urgent need for effective governance and responsive measures to tackle the pressing issues facing the country.
In their co-signed statement, Abubakar and Kukah noted that the optimism surrounding the 2023 general elections, evidenced by a record 93,469,008 registered voters compared to 57,938,945 in 1999, has not translated into tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare.
The NPC aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to bridge the gap between government intentions and the expectations of the Nigerian people.
The statement read, “Nigerians believed that the 2023 elections would usher in an administration that would swiftly address the nation’s lingering socio-economic challenges.
“The preparations for the elections heightened the hopes for positive socio-economic and political change. However, the outcome of the keenly contested presidential elections amplified the regional and ethnic cleavages that have underpinned our journey of nationhood.”
According to the committee, the well-intentioned policy of the government to improve the lives and well-being of Nigerians is yet to meet the expectations of the citizens and the economic strain is being felt by all and sundry.
“This dire situation has fuelled frustration and discontent, culminating in the recent nationwide protests on hunger. The demands made during the protests reflect the deep-seated challenges facing the country and the urgent need for responsive and effective governance.
“In response to this and in line with its mandate to mediate and intervene in electoral and non-electoral matters that impact on the peace and stability of Nigeria, the NPC has decided to convene a one-day town hall meeting with critical stakeholders to discuss frankly and explore the pathways to support the government in addressing and overcoming the current socio-political and economic situation facing the country.”
It continues, “This meeting will provide a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration, where the concerns and aspirations of the people can be discussed, and the outcomes are presented to the government.
“It is a crucial step towards bridging the gap between the government and its citizens, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their legitimate concerns addressed.”