Former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent measures in response to the ongoing hunger protests sweeping across Nigeria.
Nweke emphasized the importance of engaging directly with citizens affected by economic challenges and hunger.
In his six-point advisory, Nweke urged President Tinubu to address the nation and protesters personally, rather than through intermediaries. He also stressed the need for an immediate investigation into the killings of peaceful, unarmed protesters by security forces.
The former All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Enugu highlighted the necessity for President Tinubu to reduce the cost of governance and tackle corruption effectively. He also called for state governors to fulfill their responsibilities diligently.
On his X handle on Saturday, Nweke stated, “The President must speak directly with Nigerians, not through tone-deaf surrogates. He must listen and address their concerns.”
Nweke continued, “There should be an immediate investigation into the reported killings across the country, holding security services accountable for the loss of every Nigerian life.”
He further urged the President to take concrete steps to reduce government size and expenses, review public officials’ salaries downward, and go beyond mere rhetoric in combating corruption and government wastefulness.
Nweke also highlighted the increase in Federal Accounts Allocations by 179% in the first five months of 2024, following the unpopular subsidy removal. He stressed the need for state governments to be held accountable for their increased funding and responsibilities.
“With some states receiving almost 100% more funds, the President must ensure state governments deliver on their duties and foster a structured partnership with citizens to hold them accountable,” Nweke advised.
Additionally, Nweke pointed out the importance of monitoring and holding Local Governments accountable for providing essential services, following a ruling deeming it unconstitutional for state governors to manage funds meant for Local Governments.
He concluded by urging the President to encourage constructive engagement among Nigerians, utilizing eminent citizens to facilitate a national dialogue between the government and citizens about the nation’s state and the way forward.
