Politics
Hunger Protests: Youths Present Demands To Plateau Gov
A coalition of youths in Plateau State has presented its charter of demands to the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang in Jos, on Saturday, for onward transmission to President Bola Tinubu.
Plateau residents, largely youths, marched on major streets of Jos, the state capital, as part of the nationwide protests.
The protests were later hijacked by some hoodlums, who began to loot and destroy public and private property.
The situation forced the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew on Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
Presenting the charter on behalf of the youths, their representative, Sam Ode, said that the demands required the input of both the state government and the federal government.
“For the state government, we demand an immediate cut in the cost of governance. We also demand an explanation of how the various palliatives and funding from the federal government are being expended.
“We also call on the state government to implement the minimum wage recently signed into law by the president and reduce the school fees of tertiary institutions.
“For the federal government, we call on the president to end corruption, reverse the pump price of fuel to N300, and also reverse the hike in the electricity tariff,” Mr Ode said.
He also urged the federal government to cut the cost of governance, reopen all national borders, and embark on judicial reforms.
“I want our leaders to know that these demands are the will of the people towards a pathway for sustainable development. We are not rebelling against the government,” he said.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang, who thanked the protesters for being peaceful throughout the protests, promised to transmit the demands to the president.
The governor promised to enable the active participation of youths in his government, adding that the government would be open to legitimate criticism.
He said that he would be transparent and accountable in distributing the palliatives from the federal government to the Plateau people.
“We are doing a lot to boost agriculture, healthcare services, tourism, education, public transportation, sports and ease of doing business to improve the local economy.
“In some areas, we will need the support of the private sector to end poverty and hunger and actualise the Plateau of our dreams.
“I will transmit your demands to the president by next week, but all I ask of you is to be patient and support us to succeed.
“We will continue to provide quality leadership to the people, and I thank you for conducting yourselves peacefully throughout the protests, ” Mr Mutfwang said.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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