Nigerian music legend Bongos Ikwue Monday called on the government and the people in power to urgently address the reasons behind on-going protests in the country.
The “Searching for True Love” singer said rather than try to silence the youths, government need to listen to them as they yearn for a better country and exercise their rights in a democratic society.
“Nigerian leaders should be aware that there is a paradigm shift; modern day Nigerians have evolved to putting their leaders to task – a departure from docility…bad governance is not limited to government but also to our homes, communities, organisations, religious organisations, and associations”.
“Everyone in position of leadership to address the demands of protesting youths and the silent affected masses including local, state and federal governments should be liberal in accepting both the protesters and their actions as part of the checks-and-balances of democracy,” he said.
He added that the condition of the youths can be used to predict the future of the country, he stressed that Nigeria’s young population should be appropriately counselled, reasonably provided for, and properly guided and monitored.
He also advised the government to implement certain measures to address the hardship in the country.
“Parts of the solutions suggested to mitigate hardship in the country are reducing the demand for PMS by embracing CNG-powered vehicles, electric vehicles, building of recharge/filling stations for these vehicles; affordable mass transit scheme (tricycles inclusive); support to charity shops where foodstuff would be sold at lower prices; enhanced nationwide hi-tech security architecture (particularly of ungoverned areas); meaningful youth empowerment programmes; purposeful leadership training; and concerted visible efforts at stamping out corruption within government and citizens,” he said.
