The Accountable Leadership for Better Nigeria Initiative (ALBNI) has faulted calls for unconstitutional change in government and called on the Federal government to respond to the demands of #EndBadGovernance protesters.
The group in a statement by the Executive Director, Remi Adebayo and the Director Legal Matters, Monday Adjeh acknowledged the legitimate grievances of the protesters and urged the government to listen to their demands.
“ALBNI recognises the significant challenges confronting Nigerians, including economic hardship, hunger, corruption, and the need for electoral reforms as being championed by the citizens in some states across the nation.
“In light of recent developments, ALBNI strongly opposes calls for regime change as being championed in certain quarters.
“ALBNI also urge the government at all levels to address the legitimate demands of the protesters”.
The statement stated that Nigeria’s democracy is built on the principles of constitutional governance and the rule of law, hence, “resorting to calls for regime change undermines democratic processes and destabilises our nation and rubbishes the essence of long battle by democratic forces to ease out decades of unaccountable military dictatorship in our nation”.
The group urged stakeholders to focus on constructive dialogue and solutions within the framework of democratic institutions to address the prevailing economic challenges.
The duo called on security agencies to exercise utmost professionalism and caution in handling the protests, calling on the agencies to protect lawful protesters from infiltration by hoodlums and criminal elements who seek to disrupt and exploit the situation for their own agenda.
ALBNI further noted that the right to peaceful protest remains a fundamental aspect of democracy, adding that it is crucial for security forces to uphold the law while ensuring the safety of all participants in a democracy.
The statement also advocated for immediate and long-term innovations to alleviate the economic hardships with policies that permit availability of food items and other essential commodities, while government at all levels fund measures to grow foods to meet the local demands across the country.
“ALBNI views this as very imperative and an urgent initiative that must be embraced, particularly at the grassroots with the recent return of full financial autonomy to LGAs”.
They added that the initiative will support sufficient local production to also ease the burden of unemployment which has been held liable for the spate of insecurity and poverty in the country.
“We call for a strengthened efforts to combat corruption at all levels of government and the society with broader emphasis to engender an all-inclusive and truly independent agencies that enjoy the trust of the populace and weaned from political interference”.
The group further called for Electoral Reforms through non-political selection of leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in the electoral processes.
As part of measure to show leadership and understanding, ALBNI demanded immediate cut down in costs of governance by political and public office holders without further delay, “as there is no basis for political appointees and heads of institutions from the federal to the LGAs and their aides to be moving in fleet of expensive cars at the expense of the hungry tax payers”.
The statement said an open and inclusive dialogue between the government and the people is required to address frustrations of protesters and grievances of long suffering citizens “who have not hit the streets in order to build trust and foster a more participatory governance approach”.
The duo reiterated that through collaborative efforts and respectful dialogue, “we can address the pressing issues facing our nation”.
They said the path forward requires a commitment to democratic principles, responsible governance, and a willingness to engage constructively with the voices of the Nigerian people.
Addressing the protesters, ALBNI enjoined them to take advantage of the opportunity offered by President Bola Tinubu and Governors in various states to embrace peaceful resolution to the dreadful economic situation.
All Nigerians and lovers of democracy were also charged to “rein in all anti-democratic elements seeking to hide under the ongoing protests to undermine the civil rule without which the space to ventilate such grievances as the hardship protests might not have been possible”.
ALBNI reiterates its commitment to advocating for an accountable, transparent, democratic and better Nigeria that foster positive change for the majority, and indeed, all Nigerians.
