The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) says public officials’ extravagant behaviours are fuelling protests in Nigeria.
The forum advised public officials to adopt modest lifestyles and effectively manage resources to mitigate the country’s economic challenges.
In a statement, Tukkur Muhammad-Baba, the forum’s spokesperson, explained how public officials’ extravagant behaviours contributed to the recent nationwide protests against hunger and poor governance.
News About Nigeria reports that Muhammad-Baba emphasised that Nigerians face extreme hardships, warning that neglecting their plight would be a serious error.
He noted that many citizens lack access to necessities like education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and security, making their lives unbearable.
The ACF urged President Bola Tinubu to initiate a national dialogue, as promised, to address the country’s challenges.
The forum recommended inclusive and structured consultations involving representatives from various sectors to inform public policy decisions.
It advocated for transparency, accountability, and robust anti-corruption measures across all levels of government.
The ACF commended the Russian embassy for clarifying Nigeria’s non-involvement in the protests.
However, it condemned the destruction of property and looting during the protests, particularly in the north.
The forum also expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones during the protests.
The statement added that “such consultations ought to be well-organised and purpose-driven to include representatives of the people, community-based organisations, interest groups, professional and trade associations, regional interest groups, and religious clergy.”
It called for “robust and dynamic engagement between citizens and government, including representatives of the people, on the direction of public policies.”
The forum called for “the entrenchment of the principles of accountability and good governance by government at all levels.
“The entrenchment of the principles of accountability and good governance by government at all levels;
“The reinvigorated and robust anti-corruption drive by local, state and federal governments”.
