By Caleb Ishaya, Abuja
National Chairman of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, Comrade Bishop Amakiri, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s achievements will not be complete until the conduct of local government elections is no longer the responsibility of the State Independent Electoral Commissions, SIECs.
Amakiri, stated this in a letter written to Tinubu, said , “This can be achieved if you support our position that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should take over the responsibility of conducting local council elections for the purpose of equity and fairness”.
The letter titled “Power is Transient and Time is Slipping Away”, seen by AljazirahNigeria quoted him as saying that “As we step into the New Year, I am compelled to share my thoughts on the state of our nation.
“As the National Chairman of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles and triumphs of our great nation.
“I must commend your administration’s efforts in certain areas. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has been a shining light in your administration, driving efforts towards local government financial autonomy”.
According to him, one of the reasons development has been stagnant at the local level is because this tier of government has been hijacked by governors who have turned themselves into emperors, forgetting that power is transient.
The YPP Chairman, however, pointed out that Tinubu’s landmark achievement will not be complete until the conduct of local government elections is no longer the responsibility of SIECs.
“This, can be achieved if you support our position that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should take over this responsibility for equity and fairness”, he said.
Besides, he commended some of Tinubu’s appointees noting that the Minister of Internal Affairs, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has introduced technological innovations in several agencies under his Ministry, especially the Nigeria Immigration Service, where passport procurement has become seamless.
In addition, the recent introduction of e-gate technology has helped streamline the immigration process and improve border security.
Similarly, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has also made significant strides in infrastructure development.
The challenges are enormous, no doubt, but you can do more than you are currently doing. The first step is for you to reassess your leadership style and make radical changes in your cabinet. Reviewing your policies on fuel subsidy and floating of our currency may not be a bad idea. Avoid listening to those sycophants in the corridors of power who do not mean well for this nation. It is essential to cut the cost of governance by revisiting the Oronsaye report, and it must be done with sincerity.
“We cannot continue to do things the same way and expect a different result. Judicial and Electoral Reforms are inevitable if you must leave an enduring legacy. The latter can be addressed by adopting most of the recommendations in the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform report, in addition to some of our party’s recommendations submitted to the NASS Committee on Electoral reform where we proposed.
For instance, the compulsory transmission of election results to the IREV portal, independent appointment of INEC officials, and unconditional vacation of seats by lawmakers after decamping from the platform upon which they won elections.
“We are concerned about the threat of Nigeria sliding into a one-party state due to the constant defection of opposition lawmakers to the ruling party and you should be concerned too because of the future of our democracy.
“Judicial reform on the other hand must be carried out with patriotism because the perceived rot in the judicial system, which is like cancer, if allowed to fester will eat away at citizen’s faith in democracy.
Remember your Excellency, that the judiciary you fail to reform today, while in power may fail you tomorrow, when you are no longer in power.
On the efforts by insecurity agents in the country, the party commended the armed forces for their tireless efforts in tackling this hydra-headed monster that has now become an existential threat.
“While we continue to pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant men and women who have died in the line of duty, you must be deliberate as the Commander-in-Chief to demand accountability in the use of funds allocated to Defence. The welfare of our military personnel must be prioritized with massive investments in intelligence, technology, and modern hardware if we must win this war,” he stated.
On the issue of tax reform, he it is a wonderful initiative that could not have come at a better time but while at it, we emphasize the need for wider consultation and engagement with key stakeholders to resolve areas of disagreement.
“Mr. President, Nigerians have been patient, but their patience should not be taken for granted. Time is running out and according to Robin Sharma, it is slipping away like grains of sand never to return again.
As you move into the second half of your current tenure, “we urge you to take decisive action while time is still on your side to address our nation’s challenges as highlighted in my letter and consider the suggested solutions for the sake of posterity.
“This is wishing you and all Nigerians a happy and more prosperous 2025 filled with pro-masses policies!
