Presidency gives reply to more key demands from nationwide protesters
The Presidency has continued to address the demands from nationwide protesters.
Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, provided answers through an infographic on Twitter.
Recall that on Monday, the Presidency provided explanations for why the detained leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu cannot be released and why the minimum wage cannot be increased to N250,000.
The protesters are also demanding the reinstatement of a corruption-free subsidy regime to reduce hunger, starvation, and multidimensional poverty.
THe Presidency responded that ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector and subsidy regime cannot be reinstated until the system is corruption-free.
It emphasized that these reforms are systemic and cannot be achieved by mere proclamation.
The protesters are also calling for the restructuring of Nigeria to accommodate the country’s diversity, resource control, decentralization, and regional development.
Onanuga replied that such restructuring requires constitutional amendments and cannot be done by presidential fiat or declaration.
Another demand from the protesters is the probing of past and present Nigerian leaders who have looted the treasury, with the aim of recovering their loot and depositing it in a special account to fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The Presidency said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and other government agencies are actively working in this direction.
Notable efforts include the trial of the former CBN Governor and the investigation and prosecution of individuals involved in the fraudulent Nigeria Air project. Several other high-profile cases are being prosecuted against past and present government officials across the country.
Protesters also demanded an end to banditry, terrorism, and violent crimes, along with the reform of security agencies to stop continuous human rights violations.
Onanuga replied that insecurity cannot be ended by mere words or a single action.
He stated that the military and security agencies are making daily gains against terrorism and other security challenges across the country.
He also noted that insecurity is a global phenomenon and requires sustained vigilance and collaboration to win the war against it.
Part 3
The politically instigated protesters want President Tinubu to reinstate the corruption-prone subsidy regime and probe past and present Nigerian leaders, who have looted the treasury. Read our responses: pic.twitter.com/adpBdMpdOb
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) July 29, 2024
