The Ijaw National Congress Worldwide (INC-W) has expressed concern about the current state of the Nigerian nation, which it noted is bedeviled with myriad of challenges threatening the peace, stability and prosperity.
Arising from its National Congress, the Ijaw apex sociocultural organisation, in a statement signed by the National President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, noted that with political instability, economic hardship, security threats, social inequality, environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, corruption, and governance issues, Nigeria was grappling with more than enough problems that required immediate attention, pragmatic policies and actions by all, in and out of government.
“As our nation teeters on the brink of a proposed protest amidst unprecedented national hardship, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) urges the Federal Government and security agencies to exercise extreme caution in their responses to the agitations.
“We advice against inflammatory rhetoric and heavy-handed tactics, which could exacerbate tensions and plunge our nation into chaos.
“We equally advice all Nigerians; a peaceful protest is not criminal in as much as we all play according to the rules and regulations guiding such civil demonstrations.
“This proposed protest and its consequences are avoidable, If only the government takes urgent steps to faithfully address the root causes of the multifarious challenges we face as a nation that centered around bad governance.
“The root causes are principally that of energy scarcity and its associated challenges, and the astronomical hike in the cost of basic amenities i.e. foods, housing, transportation, security, health care services and water.
“At this critical time, the government must embark on constructive engagement with stakeholders with a view to providing immediate, medium and long term remedies to the difficult situation we find ourselves.
“The application of brute force or any oppressive measure will only aggravate the present level of oppression and repression, the mass hunger report and formation in the midst of plenty and display of affluence by the fortunate few”, the foremost organization stated.
INC-W urged the government to take immediate steps to bring about economic reforms to stimulate growth and reduce poverty, tackle insecurity and violence plaguing the nation, guarantee transparency and accountability in governance, social justice and equality for all Nigerians
Beyond focusing on the tension triggered by the proposed protest, the group urged President Tinubu and his administration to salvage Nigeria from the impending doom and guide the nation to sustainable progress by prioritizing the promotion of national unity and social cohesion, addressing economic crises and ensuring sustainable development.
It further stated that government should engage in a heart-to-heart conversation with Nigerians.reduce the cost of governance, promote fiscal federalism, diversify the economy, address environmental degradation, tackle corruption and governance Issues, as well as invest in infrastructure development.
INC-W urged Nigerians, especially the Ijaws and and people of the Niger Delta region, where the brunt of national hardship was most felt, to remain peaceful and law-abiding even in the midst of the planned protest if it must hold.
In conclusion, the organization called on Nigerians to come together, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation, to work towards a brighter future for the nation, insisting that Nigerians should hold their leaders accountable, demand transparency, and actively participate in the development and progress of the country.
“Together, we can overcome the challenges that face us and build a Nigeria that we can all be proud of”, the body averred.
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