Protests: Ishowo Urges FG, States to Sacrifice, Prioritize Transparency, Accountability
A public affairs analyst, Comrade Ishowo Olanrewaju, has called on the federal and state governments to practically demonstrate sacrifice in the area of cost of governance, prioritize transparency and accountability on taxpayers’ money, emphasizing the need for responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
Ishowo In an interview with INCNews247 in Abuja, referenced Section 14(b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended, which mandates governments to prioritize protection of lives and property of citizens.
He appealed to protesters to halt the demonstrations and refrain from destroying public and private infrastructure, while urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review his economic policies, especially the flotation of the naira, which is extremely dangerous to go simultaneously with the subsidy removal in a country that is economically import-driven.
The advocate for good governance argued that these policies have had a negative impact on the economy, particularly in a country like Nigeria that is ravaging with poverty, high rate of unemployment, and corruption.
He noted that the president’s disbursement of funds to states has not yielded tangible results, owing to the fact that most government officials are living large at the detriment of the masses, which to a large extent exacerbates poverty and insecurity in the country.
Ishowo cited the federal government’s recent disbursements to states, including the N135.4 billion released in 2023 for the implementation of the NG CARES program and the over N438 billion disbursed in July 2024 under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus program, which is also a long-term loan to states, except Imo and Anambra States that refused to take it because of the conditions attached to the loan.
Despite these disbursements, the patriot expressed concern that governors have failed to address challenges facing their states, leading to increased tensions, anger, hunger, hatred, and worries because of the apparent trust issue between the state governments and their respective people.
He called on governors to account for funds received so far by addressing the people in their respective states and implement genuine policies to address poverty, food insecurity, and out-of-school children.
The analyst suggested that states define agricultural policies by establishing at least five agricultural hubs in each state and implement the N70,000 minimum wage with consequential adjustments to address the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
He specifically urged the Kwara State government to adjust its consequential adjustment to reflect the national average, considering the high cost of living in the state.
