Channel your energy into more effective means, not into protests — Kwankwaso to young Nigerians

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has urged young Nigerians to use the power of the ballot box to address the country’s current economic challenges.

The former Kano State governor spoke via X on Saturday against the backdrop of a planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship by the youths.

He said that while the idea of ​​a protest appeals to him, Nigerians should instead be patient with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and give it all the support it needs to succeed.

His words: “Today, I address you not only as an elder and a concerned citizen, but also as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation. The recent calls for protests against bad governance resonate with me as they reflect our collective frustration and desire for a better Nigeria.

“However, I urge Nigerians to put their country first before all other considerations by being patient with the government and giving it all the support it needs to succeed.

“If any government fails to provide the leadership needed for a better Nigeria, we will have the opportunity as citizens to elect those who can bring about the required change using our votes.

“In these difficult times, our country finds itself at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with poor governance has reached a boiling point and the need to protest is strong.

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“As an elderly and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and desire for change. However, I urge you to reflect on the consequences of the nationwide protests and channel your energy into more effective and peaceful means of transformation, through the power of your vote.

“Protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often have unintended and disastrous consequences. Tragic events of the past have shown us that protests can escalate into violence, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and widespread chaos. The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the present moment, leaving scars in our communities and deepening divisions among us.”

He attributed the current economic crisis to poor leadership, saying the hardship and hunger spreading across the country were avoidable.

“We have found ourselves in a difficult situation that could have been avoided because our leaders have missed some steps since 2007. However, it is still possible to correct the course and put the country back on the right track for economic development, prosperity and better well-being of citizens.

“This could be achieved by ensuring good governance, respect for the rule of law, transparency and accountability. It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders towards bad governance has plunged citizens, especially the youth, into anger, hunger, insecurity, despair and abandonment of the country,” he noted.