The North East Leaders of Thought (NELT) has strongly urged the youth to reconsider their plans for a nationwide protest and instead allow the government some time to get settled and to work effectively. This appeal was made by the Chairman of NELT, retired Maj.-Gen. IBM Haruna, during a news conference held to commemorate his 84th birthday on Thursday in Abuja. Haruna’s message comes at a critical time when various groups are mobilizing for protests across the country.
In his address, Haruna underscored the numerous sacrifices that have been made throughout history to ensure the stability and unity of Nigeria. Reflecting on his own experiences, he stated, “I grew up joining the military not for the fun of it, but with the determination to ensure that the unity and stability of the country remains indissoluble.” He reminisced about the tumultuous times during the civil war, emphasizing that when conflict erupted, all individuals had to come together and make significant sacrifices to maintain Nigeria’s unity. He described this effort as a “task that must be done,” which, by the grace of God, was successfully accomplished.
Haruna proudly pointed out that Nigeria has remained united for the past 63 years, demonstrating resilience as a nation despite various challenges. Utilizing the platform of his birthday celebrations, he appealed directly to the youth planning protests throughout the country to give the government the opportunity to establish itself and deliver its promises. He stated, “Give the government a chance to settle down; to work,” emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding during this transitional period.
He highlighted that the current government has only been in office for a year, suggesting that, with time, it will be able to organize itself and improve the living conditions of its citizens. Haruna conveyed optimism that the administration is making genuine efforts to provide assistance, mentioning that measures have been taken to distribute palliatives to all states across the federation.
Furthermore, the chairman noted that there are several other strategies the government has developed to tackle the pressing challenges facing the nation. He expressed his hope that those tasked with implementing government policies will take their responsibilities seriously and approach their work with the diligence it deserves, recognizing the critical role they play in the well-being of the populace.
In addition, he addressed the government directly, urging it to infuse a humane approach into all its programs and initiatives. He reminded everyone that the foundation on which this government was elected in 2023 was based on the President’s renewed hope agenda. This implies that the citizens of Nigeria had previously lost faith in governance, and the current administration has the responsibility to restore that hope in a meaningful way.
Haruna pointed out that there has been a deterioration in living conditions, exacerbated by the immediate withdrawal of subsidy, increased electricity tariffs, currency devaluation, and a costly transportation system. He remarked that the ongoing economic crisis has escalated to a level that is increasingly severe and arguably worse than the difficulties faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He concluded by reinforcing that this situation serves as a clarion call for the government to awaken to its responsibilities as mandated by Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. This particular section unequivocally states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, a reminder that the administration must remain focused on serving its citizens and addressing their needs.
