National Protest: Use Ballot for Change, Not Protests – Kwankwaso Urges Nigerians

Ahead of the nationwide protest set to begin on August 1, 2024, former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the organizers to cancel the plans.

Kwankwaso, who leads the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), advised that change should be pursued through the ballot rather than protests, emphasizing that democratic means are more effective against an incompetent government.

In a statement released Friday night, Kwankwaso stressed that enduring change is achieved through voting, not demonstrations.

“With a deep sense of responsibility, I share my thoughts on Nigeria’s current situation. Our leaders have made missteps since 2007, leading to avoidable hardship. There is, however, always room to correct these and set the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity, and better welfare of citizens,” he stated.

Kwankwaso cited several issues arising from poor governance, including federal interference in Kano State chieftaincy matters, the impeachment of the Edo State Deputy Governor, political turmoil in Rivers State, and widespread insecurity.

“Federal interference in Kano State chieftaincy matters, the impeachment of the Edo State Deputy Governor, political crisis in Rivers State, sabotage of the Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding the SAMOA agreement, conflicts between Sen. Ali Ndume and APC leadership, widespread insecurity, and other criminal acts are avoidable crises,” he noted.

Kwankwaso argued these issues reflected a lack of accountability and transparency in governance.

“It is disheartening to see how poor governance has plunged citizens, especially the youth, into hunger, insecurity, hopelessness, and a sense of giving up on the country,” he remarked.

He called on Nigerian leaders to urgently address these challenges through good governance and adherence to the rule of law.

Kwankwaso acknowledged the calls for protests and the collective frustration for a better Nigeria but warned against the potential consequences of such actions. He urged Nigerians to harness the power of their vote for change.

“In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong. As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and desire for change. However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and channel your energy into more effective and peaceful transformation through the power of your ballot,” he advised.

Kwankwaso cautioned that protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often escalate into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos.

“The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us. I speak to you not just as an elder and concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation. Let us put our country first and work together to build the Nigeria we all aspire to see,” he advocated.