PWDs join CSOs, dissociate self from planned protests against EFCC, Tinubu
The Coalition of Nigeria Civil Society Organisations and Concerned People Living With Disabilities in Nigeria has raised alarm over what it describe as an attempt by desperate politicians to oust President Tinubu and impose themselves on Nigerians.
The group accused failed politicians who have become politically irrelevant of clandestinely working behind the scenes to discredit the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through baseless and politically motivated protests.
Recall that last week, a group of persons had planned to protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a move which was seen by many analyst as a decoy to incite nationwide unrest and create a negative perception of the current administration by those under investigation for various financial crimes.
In a strongly worded press release signed and made available to journalists in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Coalition, Mallam Yusuf Mohammed Jibril,, the group warned those trying to save their dying political career by sowing seeds of confusion to desist forthwith.
The release reads in part, “we are not unaware of the machinations of political jobbers who have be put out of business by the incorruptible adminstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and are hell bent on retuning to country to the old order of sharing government revenue amongst a few through fraudulent schemes.
“These crop of persons have failed to realize that it is no longer business as usual. Trying to hide under the banner of protest to incite Nigerians against the President won’t work because Nigerians are more enlightened now more than before and they’re equally aware of the good work Mr. President is doing”.
The Coalition urged Nigerians to wary of a few selfish and disgruntled elements who were conspicuously silent over the torturous 8 years of the previous administration but have suddenly become vocal advocate now that President Tinubu has decided to right the wrongs of the past.
“It is suspicious and hypocritical that some persons who had no complaints whatsoever when Nigerians witnessed the worst adminstration in the history of mankind have become vocal now. Where were they when Nigerians were been killed in their thousands daily with mass unemployment and inflation?” the release queried.
To buttress their firm support for the President, the group highlighted very salient achievements of current administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda and wondered why anybody will even think of protesting against a system that’s working and turning the fortunes of Nigerians around.
“Mr. President is a workaholic who came to power prepared and ready to serve. In his one year in office, Mr. President signed, approved and delivered the amiable student loan project. He has equally done great strides in the area of infrastructural development with numerous legacy projects springing up across the country.
“The Agricultural sector, Steel, Marine and Blue Economy, Education and others are experiencing the revolutionary ideas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with numerous people oriented projects with huge impacts on the lives of Nigerians. The astronomical increase in our internally generated revenue since the advent of this administration deserves accolades.
“Since the return of democracy, no security administration has tackled our security challenges headlong like the current administration. With marching orders to the military top brass and free hand to do their job, President Tinubu has holistically addressed the disturbing state of insecurity that once threatened to destroy us”, the group noted.
The group urged Nigerians, especially religious leaders, traditional rulers, the youths to mobilise their members to continue to show support for the President as it takes a lot of efforts to build what has been completely destroyed.
“As patriots, we are united in our numbers in showing sustained support to the current administration and we urge all opinion leaders to continue to make their voices heard above the noises of our enemies no matter how cunning and crafty their propaganda and reasons for forcing chaotic protests on the nation might be.
“We have not healed from the destructive consequences of the END SARS protest that almost crumbled our economy. If what happened in Egypt, Libya and recently Kenya will not will not counsel us to eschew violence against the government then we are doomed as a people”, the release added.
While admitting that citizens have every right to protest and express their grievances in an acceptable manner, the group distanced it self from the current “forced, sponsored and ill-motivated protests”, adding that their members across the 89 others Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that form the Coalition “will not be participating in any sham of a protest and will do everything possible to frustrate those protests”.