Nigeria Demand Movement (NDM) has called on the Nigerian government to use multiple approaches to address the diverse challenges facing Nigeria as a country.
In a press statement titled: “Entreaty for Collaboration to Seek Empathy & Policy Interventions by Three Arms of Federal Government to Stem Dire Poverty Plunge, Insecurity, Widening Hunger & Anger Among Nigerians & Support Constitutional Amendment on INEC” and signed by the Global Convener of Nigeria Demand Movement, Evang. Prince Tony Akeni and made available to Journalists, Friday in Abuja.
highlighting the deteriorating state of affairs in Nigeria as well as emphasizing the urgent need for the government’s intervention.
Evang. Akeni, expresses concern regarding the rising unemployment rates, soaring inflation, inadequate infrastructure, and persistent issues such as insecurity and corruption that have plagued the country.
According to the statement, “We members of the above body, having observed the depth of social economic pains and anger spreading among the majority of Nigerians and the dangers of anarchy such portend if not strategically and speedily attended to, solemnly register our above plea with your highly pivotal office as an apex labour leader in our country
“As avowed patriots and statesmen, as our own contribution to nation building, we propose the following exigent and urgent solutions to save our country from the cliff edge of mass poverty and pandemic insecurity which our dear country is being plunged.”
With the Nigerian economy bearing the brunt of long-standing challenges, the NDM argues that prompt steps need to be taken to rectify the situation. Stressing the diminishing purchasing power of citizens due to skyrocketing inflation, the movement emphasizes that urgent intervention is required to stabilize the economy and alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.
The Movement suggests end to corruption, insecurity, widening mass hanger, as hunger induces deaths. It also demands exit, through sincere and diligent economic recovery efforts, adding that, “all foreign debts are stealing our future”
The Movement therefore propose a living wages for Nigeria security agents, “Pay Police and Military forces N250,000.00 minimum wage to heighten their morale against insecurity, cut all government universities/higher institutions school fees by half Students and Parents are choking.”
Evang. Akeni advocates for development at the grassroots, the Movement advice government to pay local government allocations directly to LGA councils for grassroots development, and amend Nigeria Constitution, INEC, State Electoral Commission,” adding that, “Board appointments should be by non-partisan and should be eminent personalities’ board, not Mr. President in order to make the commission truly independent. We propose that these measures should be carried out without delay.”
The NDM presses for the creation of more job opportunities and an enabling environment for local businesses to thrive, which they believe will contribute to reducing unemployment rates and fostering economic growth.
Furthermore, the movement urges the government to tackle the heightened security threats and corruption head-on, ensuring the safety and welfare of all Nigerians.
Recognizing that a multifaceted approach is needed to address the diverse challenges facing the country, the NDM also calls for investments in critical infrastructural development. This includes improved electricity supply, transportation networks, healthcare facilities, and access to clean water, all of which are essential for enhancing the standard of living and quality of life for Nigerians.
With this press statement, the Movement underlines their commitment to promoting Nigeria’s socio-economic development while advocating for the welfare and interests of Nigerian citizens.
He further said that, “With the level of distress and anger sweeping across Nigeria of today, only the above measures will stem the devastating public disaffection of unimaginable proportions against the government of the day.”
