Former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau has urged President Bola Tinubu to reassess his approach to governing the nation, following the widespread protests that took place across Nigeria.
Shekarau emphasized that the EndBadGovernance protest, which occurred from August 1st to 10th, 2024, sent a strong and unmistakable message to the Tinubu administration.
The protests, driven by frustration over economic and political issues, saw Nigerians in cities nationwide demanding change, with a focus on reversing some key government policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira.
The nationwide protests were fueled by the public’s dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of critical issues such as the rising cost of living, unemployment, and the removal of subsidies that many Nigerians felt were essential for their survival.
Despite the protests not having a significant impact on changing government policies at the time, Shekarau believes the message was clear.
In an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Shekarau described the protests as a national outcry, not driven by any regional or state-specific concerns, but rather as a collective plea from the masses for better governance.
He emphasized that the protests were not just an expression of dissatisfaction but a call for a fundamental reassessment of the government’s policies.
“The last protests on the end of bad governance are a clear message,” Shekarau stated.
“It wasn’t a regional issue; it was a national issue. The agitation was broad-based and aimed at the federal government.”
He went on to say, “Nigerians are sending a message that they want the President and the Federal Government to go back to the drawing board and reassess the policies being implemented.
The people are asking for something better, and this cannot be ignored.”
While the protests started peacefully, they eventually turned violent in certain states like Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto, leading to casualties and the destruction of property.
