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Northern elders, economists advise Tinubu on how to end protests
Northern elders, economists advise Tinubu on how to end protests
Economic and financial experts have listed what the Bola Tinubu administration should do immediately to bring to an end the on-going nationwide protests.
In separate chats with Saturday Sun, the experts recommended that the government subsidise cost of food items, reduce the cost of governance, and ensure greater transparency in the distribution of palliatives, among other measures, to alleviate citizens’ concerns and prevent further damage.
The 10-day planned protest which began on Thursday, primarily against rising cost of living and hunger, has escalated to violence, destruction of property and loss of lives in many parts of the nation.
An economist and development expert, Aliyu ilias, said: “I think first and foremost, President Bola Tinubu should address the country. He should come up with a template of what he wants to achieve in the next one year, especially the provision of CNG. Most people are shouting hunger. It is because of the cost of transportation. If he cannot bring back fuel subsidies, he must make sure that a workable template for CNG buses is in place and all the state governors must come out and explain what they will use the money from federal government allocations to do.
“Tinubu should also rejig his cabinet by reappointing a minister of Humanitarian Affairs and also removing ministers that are not functioning well. There must be a correct template to serve Nigeria. If not, this will turn into a revolution and there is nothing he would be able to do about it.”
Prof. Femi Saibu, a lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Lagos, said that it is not enough for the government to simply provide palliatives; it must also ensure that these resources reach those who genuinely need them.
Saibu pointed out the existing gap between government expenditures and their actual impact on the populace, noting that it is important to flush out political intermediaries who continue to hijack public interventions for their own gain.
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According to him, “It is like the more the government spends, the more the people complain of poverty or hardship. So it means the middlemen between the masses and the government are actually not allowing those things to trickle down. The Federal Government pays state governments billions of naira to alleviate the sufferings of people. Most of these people hold on to these monies while people are feeling pains and the government is having empty purses.”
He further advocated for more investment in basic infrastructure that will help improve the lives of citizens.
“Rather than giving cash to people, the government should provide basic things that people need. For instance, the government should spend heavily on health facilities, spend heavily on education, and invest directly in agriculture.
“Today the government said it has paid a lot of money to people as palliatives, but we have not seen anybody claiming they got the money. They said they gave each state several millions of bags of rice. Have you seen the bag of rice in anybody’s house?”
The economist advised the federal government to devise a new means of doing things. He said the federal government should use leaders of local communities to reach the people instead of state governors. On his part, Economic Consultant at Dynamo Consulting, Brume Nikoro asked elected leaders to cut down government wastage. He recommended empowering small scale Industries and start-ups with interest free loans and encouraging the Agricultural and Technology industries with programmes and initiatives.
In his view, lawyer and rights activist, Kabiru Akingboolu said the police authorities should ensure their personnel handle protests with civility.
He emphasized that the current widespread hardship across the country calls for a government response that goes beyond mere rhetoric.
According to Akingboolu, the government must address the nation with concrete actions to alleviate economic difficulties and prevent further unrest. He said government should also invest significantly in agriculture to boost food production. He also cautioned that prolonged protests could escalate, referencing the #EndSARS movement as a lesson in managing civil unrest.
In support, lawyer and rights activist Maduka Onwukeme added, “The government should address the protesters’ key concerns, particularly the issues of widespread hunger and inflation. Meeting these demands could lead many genuine protesters to leave the streets. Hunger fuels unrest, and negotiating with a hungry population is impractical. Effective measures to tackle these issues are crucial.”
Northern elders in a press statement signed by Prof Usman Yusuf, Hajia Najatu Muhammad, Mallam Salihu Lukman; and Dr. Umar Ardo, said the government should be pragmatic in its approach to the resolution of the crisis to amicably resolve and mitigate the risks associated with mass protests.
The elders asked the government to identify and directly engage with the youth leaders and protesters to understand and address their grievances.
They told the government to sincerely address the demands of the protesters by implementing meaningful reforms, demonstrating goodwill and a commitment to change by investing in youth development programmes, education, innovation, entrepreneurship initiatives,as well as implement policies that would enhance general economic development of the country.
They further urged the government to improve governance by enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance against personalised leadership, tackling corruption and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
Political and economic analyst, Mustapha Hussain Olarewaju noted that while the government claims to have removed fuel subsidies, the estimated landing cost of petrol exceeds N1, 000, indicating that subsidies persist under different names.
“The floating exchange rate is driving costs higher, leading to widespread inflation,” Olarewaju stated.
He called for stabilization of fuel prices to alleviate the financial burden on citizens, as the current situation reflects a cost-push inflation scenario rather than a demand-driven one.
Olarewaju, criticised the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent monetary policies, particularly the increase of the monetary policy rate (MPR) to 26.25%. He argued that this approach targets demand reduction rather than addressing the root causes of inflation.
Olarewaju emphasised that to combat cost-push inflation effectively, the government should increase expenditure to stimulate productive activities instead of tightening monetary policy.
Northern elders, economists advise Tinubu on how to end protests
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Mother, Six Children Kidnapped in Fresh Kaduna Bandit Attack
Mother, Six Children Kidnapped in Fresh Kaduna Bandit Attack
In a fresh wave of banditry in Kaduna State, a mother and six children were abducted from their home in Kurmin‑Uwa near Janjala community in Kagarko Local Government Area on Friday night. The attack comes less than 24 hours after suspected bandits kidnapped ten residents, including seven members of a single family, in Unguwar Sabon‑Titi, Katari.
According to residents, the raid occurred around 10:23 p.m., with the assailants going directly to the targeted house before whisking away the victims, identified as Ladi Malachy, Patience Malachy, Promise Malachy, Inama Malachy, Peter Malachy, and Aboyi Malachy. Witnesses said the attackers fled into surrounding forests, leaving the community in fear.
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A local resident, Ibrahim Shehu, confirmed the abduction, while a community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed he alerted security operatives immediately after learning about the raid. However, it remains unclear whether authorities responded promptly. Kurmin‑Uwa is located about two kilometres from Kagarko town, an area that has seen repeated bandit attacks on households.
Security sources indicate that search and rescue operations have been launched, as authorities work to locate the kidnappers and secure the release of the abducted family. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
The back‑to‑back kidnappings have heightened tension in rural Kaduna communities, with residents calling for intensified patrols, improved security presence, and faster emergency response to prevent further abductions. Analysts warn that without swift action, such violent raids may continue to terrorise villages across the state.
Mother, Six Children Kidnapped in Fresh Kaduna Bandit Attack
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INEC Warns ADC Against Holding Convention Without Supervision
INEC Warns ADC Against Holding Convention Without Supervision
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against proceeding with its planned congresses and national convention without proper supervision and in defiance of an existing court order.
Chairman Joash Amupitan issued the warning during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, after the ADC insisted on going ahead with its convention despite INEC’s derecognition of the leadership faction linked to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
Amupitan stressed that INEC’s actions were guided by legal considerations, particularly a subsisting court order restraining the ADC from taking steps that could undermine ongoing legal proceedings. “Don’t do anything. Don’t take any step that will render any proceeding before the court nugatory,” he said.
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He explained that the ADC’s plan to conduct congresses and a national convention is already part of a pending legal process, with motions related to the activities yet to be determined by the court. Ignoring the court’s directive, he warned, could result in invalidated elections or nullified internal party decisions, citing precedents in Zamfara and Plateau states where failure to comply with court orders affected electoral outcomes.
Amupitan highlighted the risks of repeating past mistakes, stressing that while the ADC is free to act as it chooses, INEC would not risk supervising illegal or unauthorized party activities. He reinforced the importance of adhering to the Electoral Act and judicial directives to ensure that party events are legally recognised and free from future challenges.
The INEC Chairman’s warning comes amid heightened tension within the ADC, with the faction led by David Mark facing derecognition and ongoing litigation over the party’s legitimate leadership. Analysts note that the statement underscores INEC’s commitment to rule of law, legal compliance, and internal party democracy, especially as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
INEC Warns ADC Against Holding Convention Without Supervision
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Presidency Clarifies Why Tinubu Met Plateau Victims Only at Airport
Presidency Clarifies Why Tinubu Met Plateau Victims Only at Airport
The Presidency has clarified why President Bola Tinubu did not leave the airport during his recent visit to Jos, amid public criticism. Officials said the decision was driven by tight scheduling, logistical constraints, and aviation safety concerns.
President Tinubu visited Jos North Local Government Area, where he met with families of victims killed in the Angwan Rukuba attack. Speaking to the bereaved, he said, “You have no light at the airport, and I have to fly back within the next 10 minutes. To the victims, there’s nothing I can give you, whether it’s money in millions, but console you and promise you that this experience will not repeat itself.”
The visit was attended by political supporters, traditional rulers, security operatives, and other stakeholders. However, Tinubu’s airport-only engagement drew criticism, with some accusing him of insensitivity toward grieving families.
In response, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that Tinubu’s schedule on Thursday included receiving Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno at the Presidential Villa before traveling to Iperu in Ogun State. Following a security briefing by Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Ogun trip was canceled, and an emergency visit to Jos was arranged overnight.
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Officials said logistical challenges made a town visit impractical. The airport runway does not support night flights, and the road distance from the airport to Jos township is about 40 minutes. These factors made it unfeasible for the President to visit the conflict site, meet victims in town, and return to the airport safely before dusk.
To ensure engagement, representatives of affected communities were brought to a hall adjoining the airport, allowing Tinubu to meet directly with victims, local leaders, and security officials. Among attendees were the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Inspector General of Police, who had visited Rukuba to assess security operations.
During the meeting, the President consoled victims, listened to their concerns, and assured justice would be delivered. He also promised the deployment of 5,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras to monitor the city and enhance the identification and arrest of troublemakers. Furthermore, he invited community leaders to Abuja for additional talks on long-term solutions to recurring violence in Plateau State.
The Presidency described the visit as a strategic, high-level engagement aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict, rather than a symbolic gesture. Officials emphasized that Tinubu’s approach prioritized safety, efficiency, and direct interaction with key stakeholders while adhering to flight and logistical constraints.
Despite the criticisms, the televised meeting was seen as reassuring by residents, signaling the President’s commitment to peace, security, and community-driven solutions in Plateau State.
Presidency Clarifies Why Tinubu Met Plateau Victims Only at Airport
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