The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has sounded a note of caution to the Federal Government of Nigeria, urging it to prioritize addressing the myriad of concerns and sufferings of Nigerians, rather than plotting a clampdown on individuals who dare to express their frustrations with the status quo.
The CNPP urged the Government to focus on addressing the genuine concerns of suffering Nigerians due to the increasing cost of living and loss of jobs and businesses, rather than planning to silence individuals and groups who are speaking out.
This stern warning was disclosed in a press statement obtained by Africa Health Report, signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema.
The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations expressed dismay over the government’s antics of pointing accusing fingers at individuals and groups over the rumours of looming massive protests in the country by hungry and jobless citizens.
“It is unacceptable for the Federal government’s spokespersons suggest plans to silence individuals and groups who are simply voicing the concerns of the masses,” the CNPP said.
The statement continued: “The recent warning by the government to individuals and groups not to go ahead with the planned protests is a clear indication of its desperation to cling to power at all costs irrespective of the well-being of citizens.
The CNPP therefore warned that clamping down on individuals and groups could escalate the looming protests, as happened in Kenya recently.
“The government should learn from history and address the root causes of the rumoured protests, rather than trying to suppress them,” the CNPP said.
The CNPP lamented the increasing cost of living and loss of jobs and businesses which it said have brought untold hardship to Nigerians.
“The government must concretely address these issues, rather than trying to intimidate and silence those who are speaking out,” the CNPP said.
The CNPP advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action to address the concerns of the suffering Nigerians, saying that “The government must prioritize the welfare of the people, rather than trying to protect the interests of a few privileged individuals”.
The political association also demanded that the Nigerian governments at all levels should take immediate steps to cut the cost of governance by ensuring that all arms of government, especially the Executive and legislative arms at the federal and state levels, slash their allowances and number of appointees by, at least, 60 percent.
“These steps will help to reduce the financial burden on Nigerians and ensure that the government is more efficient and effective in its delivery of services.”, the statement concluded.
The CNPP said it would continue monitor the situation in the country by not standing astride while the government tried to suppress the voices of the burdened Nigerians.
