* Says things have never been as bad as this
Al-Mu’minaat, (the Believing Women Organisation) has called on Nigerian youths and civil society organisations to exercise restraint as the proposed 10-day nationwide demonstration against bad governance commenced.
Muslim News gathered that the #EndBadGovernance protest turned violent in some states including Gombe, Kano and Abuja. Findings also showed that while some were instigated by protesters, others were caused by security operatives meant to maintain orderliness.
In a press release, titled: “Hard Times are Here”, the National Amirah of the organisation, Alhaja Jelilah AbdulSalam hastened to note that two wrongs don’t make a right, adding that the combination of bad governance to galloping inflation and complete shut-down of the nation by demonstrations will never serve any good in the current state the country has found herself.
The group also expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs in Nigeria as citizens face mounting economic pressure, escalating costs of living, and inadequate security.
“Indeed, across the length and breadth of Nigeria, hard times are here! It is visible, even to the blind. The deaf can hear its whispering; hard and poisonous to the eardrum. The rich and the poor are crying. Unarguably, it has never been as bad as this”
As mothers and judging from past experiences, we can authoritatively say that this 10-day demonstration would be adding salt to our festering sore.
Read full statement below:
Hard Times are Here!
Al-Mu’minaat, (the Believing Women Organisation), expresses deep concern over the current state of affairs in Nigeria as citizens face mounting economic pressures, escalating costs of living, and inadequate security. Indeed, across the length and brength of Nigeria, hard times are here! It is visible, even to the blind. The deaf can hear its whispering; hard and poisonous to the eardrum. The rich and the poor are crying. Unarguably, it has never been as worse as this.
Being that as it may, Al-Mu’minaat calls on the Nigeria youths and the civil society organisations to exercise restraint on the proposed 10-Day nationwide demonstration against bad governance. It is always better to jaw-jaw than to war-war. At this particular moment, we must allow reason and logic to prevail over might. Al-Mu’minaat hasten to note that two wrongs don’t make a right. The combination of bad governance to galloping inflation and complete shut-down of the nation by demonstration will never serve any good in the current state we found ourselves.
As mothers and judging from the past experiences, we can authoritatively say that this 10-day demonstration would be adding salt to our festering saw. The immediate unintended consequences of this demonstration will include scarcity of food items that are already out of reach of the common man. Following this, the price will further shoot-up to a level where only the rich and mighty will be able to afford. In the end, the masses we originally intended to fight for would end up being the worse victims. It is either the prolonged demonstration further dehumanizes them through starvation or send them to their graves through depression when hoodlums dispossess them of their trades or goods.
For the avoidance of doubt, Al-Mu’minaat is a non-governmental organisation. Members of the organisation are as well touched and affected by the policies of the government. However, there is always a good time for everything. In this particular case and without mincing words, this is not the best of time for demonstration. Hot pap, our elders say, deserves patience. This time also demands patience and prayers from all of us. This is more so, as our religion admonishes us to bear every situation with patience and prayers. And it is on this note we call on the youths and the civil society organisations to shelve the planned demonstration and give government more time.
On the other hand, however, Al-Mu’minaat is calling on the government to take immediate and effective measures to address the critical socio-economic issues and fulfill its obligations to the Nigerian people. Specifically, we call on the government to look into the following:
Economic Relief: The skyrocketing cost of living has placed an unbearable burden on many families. We urge the government to implement policies that stabilize prices, enhance economic opportunities, and provide targeted assistance to those most affected. Streamlining government expenditures and cutting unnecessary costs can also help alleviate financial pressures on citizens. Specifically, we implore the President to:
– Invest in sectors that create jobs and stimulate economic growth such as technology, agriculture, and infrastructure.
– Develop and expand social welfare programs to assist those in need, including subsidies for essential goods and services. Government must go further to eliminate corruption that have rendered useless and ineffective the past palliatives. The methods and means of distribution must change and devoid man-knows-man. Justice, fairness and equity must be the rule.
– Increase investment in education and vocational training to enhance employment prospects and economic mobility. Incentive must be provided at this time to make skill acquisition appealing to people of all ages. And lastly, adding new or increasing taxes must be stopped henceforth. Instead of promoting and growing businesses, oppressive taxes are indirectly crippling or at best criminalizing investment in our own clime!
Security Measures: The security situation in Nigeria remains a significant concern. We call for increased efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians. Strengthening law enforcement, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing community safety programs are essential steps in restoring public confidence and security. The rampant cases of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism should be tackled headlong. Sponsors of all these crimes should be named and shamed. Enough of treating them with kid gloves. Government must get tough and firm on them.
Cost of Governance: To promote economic stability and public trust, it is imperative for the government to review and reduce the cost of governance. Transparent budgeting and the elimination of wasteful expenditures will free up resources that can be redirected towards essential services and support for vulnerable populations. The amount of money lost to corruption even under this government is staggering. Inclusion of alleged corrupt persons into this administration has not given hope that the President is serious on wagging war on the enemies of the people.
Local Government Autonomy: Al-Mu’minaat deeply appreciates the recent autonomy granted the local government by the Supreme Court courtesy of the case instituted by the Federal Government. However, the Organisation calls on the President to fortify all anti-corruption agencies to monitor the activities of the local chairmen so that the autonomy will be meaningful. It would be unfair to provide huge funds to local chairmen when it will not serve the interest of the people. And this is where it may be necessary to assign religious institutions and organisations along with traditional rulers some roles in the financial administration at local councils through a constitution review.
Lastly and by a way of concluding, we call upon all stakeholders—government officials, civil society, and the general public—to collaborate in addressing these economic challenges with integrity and dedication. Let us work together to build a prosperous and harmonious Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
Hajia Jelilat AbdulSalam
National Amirah (President)
Al-Mu’minaat, The Believing Women Organisation
