Protest: Kwankwaso canvasses power of ballot over violence

By Jude Opara, Abuja

With barely three days to the planned nationwide protest over the rising cost of living, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has advised Nigerians to shun protest and rather seek change through democratic means.
In a statement he personally signed at the weekend amidst widespread discontent and calls for demonstrations, Kwankwaso argued that effective and lasting change can only be achieved through the power of the ballot.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current situation in Nigeria. We find ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007..
“However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity, and better welfare of citizens,” Kwankwaso stated.
The former governor of Kano state equally enumerated several crises stemming from poor governance, such as the alleged federal interference in Kano state’s chieftaincy matters, the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political conflict in Rivers state and the reign of insecurity across the country.
“Interferences by the federal government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano state, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo state, political crisis in Rivers state, sabotage to AIiko Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding SAMOA agreement, the conflict between Sen. Ali Ndume and the APC leadership, widespread insecurity and other criminal acts are a few examples of avoidable and unnecessary crises” he said.
According to him, these issues are symptomatic of a lack of accountability and transparency as well as lack of focus.
“It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance has plunged the citizens, especially youth into hunger, insecurity, hopelessness, and a sense of giving up on the country,” Kwankwaso noted.
Acknowledging the recent calls for protests across the country, the former presidential hopeful said in spite of the collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria, the potential consequences of such actions may become very grave.
He admonished Nigerians to consider the power of their vote as the most effective tool to change a docile and a government that is not performing.
“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 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,” Kwankwaso advised.