Former Kano State governor and current Minister of Defence, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on Nigerians to utilize their voting rights to bring about change rather than engaging in protests.
Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, highlighted that poor governance has led to widespread anger, hunger, insecurity, hopelessness, and despair among citizens.
In a statement posted on X (Twitter) on Saturday, Kwankwaso said, “I urge Nigerians to put our country first before any other consideration by way of being patient with the government and giving it all necessary support to succeed. If any government fails to provide the necessary leadership for a better Nigeria, we will have the opportunity as citizens to elect the people who can bring the required change using our votes.”
Kwankwaso’s statement addressed several issues, citing poor governance as a significant cause of the current national distress.
“It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance plunged the citizens, especially youth, into anger, hunger, insecurity, hopelessness and about giving up on the country,” he said.
He also criticized the federal government for meddling in various regional and national issues.
“Interferences by the federal government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano state, impeachment of the deputy governor of Edo state, political crises in Rivers state, sabotage to Aliko 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.”
Kwankwaso emphasized the importance of patience and support for the government while advocating for change through democratic means.
“Today, I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation,” he noted.
He expressed empathy with the public’s frustrations but warned against the potential dangers of protests.
“The recent calls for protests against bad governance resonate with me, as they reflect our collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria,” Kwankwaso acknowledged.
“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,” he advised.
Kwankwaso cautioned that while protests are a democratic right, they often have severe and unforeseen consequences.
“Protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often come with unforeseen and dire consequences. The tragic events of the past have shown us that protests can escalate into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos. The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us,” he warned.
Kwankwaso’s message comes at a time of rising tensions and planned nationwide protests set to start on August 1, as citizens voice their discontent over economic hardships and governance issues.