From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
Chieftain of New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Ambassador Olufemi Oguntoyinbo has called on the federal government to allow a peaceful demonstration without military intervention and violence on August 1.
Oguntoyinbo also urged government to push for reforms that will ensure accountability, responsibility and capable of driving sustainable development for the benefit and well-being of the masses.
The NNPP chieftain in a statement signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday, also called on the protesters to demonstrate peacefully and ensure that the protest is not hijacked by politicians and hoodlums, saying the aim which is a call for good governance should be strictly adhered to.
He said government should use the demands of the protesters to have a rethink on some of its policies that are affecting and suffocating the lives of the downtrodden people of Nigeria.
The frontline politician called for restraint from security forces and politicians, urging law enforcement agents to avoid violent confrontation with demonstrators.
He warned against political exploitation of the protest, emphasizing that the protesters are calling for improved governance rather than an act of defiance against the state.
Oguntoyinbo urged the federal government to perceive the protest as a national demand for good governance and allow peaceful demonstrations without military intervention.
He maintained that from now on, citizens and residents deserve to hear from the president on a daily basis on the latest developments concerning government activities.
The NNPP chieftain highlighted the severe economic challenges exacerbated by the current government’s policies, such as the confusion surrounding dual naira notes and the stalled progress at Dangote Refinery.
He criticised the significant depreciation of Nigeria’s currency within West Africa and globally, attributing it to government’s imposition of multiple taxes without corresponding benefit to citizens.
The NNPP chieftain urged the federal government to address these economic issues, including reducing petroleum price and implementing price control on essential commodities.
He outlined a detailed list of grievances driving the protest, including hunger, inflation, high fuel price and inadequate minimum wage.
He emphasized the need to tackle issues such as power shortage, deteriorating road networks, budget padding and electoral misconduct by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
According to him, “further concerns include the high cost of governance, questionable appointments, excessive borrowing and issues like crude oil theft”.
He called for substantial reforms, including making refineries functional, addressing excessive electricity tariff and high bank charges, and supporting resource control. Additionally, constitutional reform, restructuring and a shift from consumption-based to production-driven policies are critical and stressed the importance of addressing corruption, unaccountability, inadequate housing and underfunding in various sectors.
He advocated for a significant reduction in the salaries and allowances of federal and state lawmakers, in line with a recent court ruling mandating the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, to adjust legislative remuneration.
He also urged state governments to implement the new minimum wage and resolve any outstanding salaries.
