OPINION:PBAT PLEASE, ACT FAST
by Ayoade Davidson Ojeniyi FCA
It’s no longer story that the preparation for EndSars carnage went on for a while before its actual implementation. But lack of proactive approach on the part of government of the day became a recipe for the actualisation of the dastardly act. History is about to be repeated but I do not expect this to happen under the watch of PBAT. I do not say that people should not be allowed to protest if they have any reason to do so. But given the fact that the country does not have the capacity to separate genuine protesters from hoodlums, unnecessary protest should be curtailed.
Some people may be surprised that I call it unnecessary protest. Yes, it’s unnecessary because this government has never displayed any act of rigidity since it took the mantle of leadership. It responds even to mere comments on social media expressly within. It is clear to every discerning and positive citizen that this government has become the most engaging one since 1999. It has engaged with the organised labour on the minimum wage and it’s being passed to law. It has won autonomy for local government councils. It is on course for disbursements of students’ loans. It has given tax waiver for certain commodities and goods. You only protest against a government that is either passive, incorrigible or rigid. How can a government that is barely a year in office be protested against even when it has surpassed many of the past ones within one year? That cannot be called a protest but a mischief.
PBAT should not be deceived by those who harp on funny fundamental human rights to cause mayhem. America is the country they use as a reference point. But American government does not take untoward attitude from anyone. If you want some you will be given some. There is no way for avoidable discomfort. Kenyans are licking their wounds at the moment. We must not allow our own case to get to that point. I believe that many of those who are planning for the protest are children who do not know the implications of such a protest. Those who are old among them are those who would gladly set their universities’ libraries on fire in the name of students’ demonstration just because water tap didn’t run at the expected time.
Please, begin to show us that we have someone in charge of our affairs. Be more presidential Your Excellency. We know that it’s those who lost elections in 2023 and those they have recruited among those who think you have not compensated them among your conditional supporters that are behind the protest. Please, refuse to be blackmailed. No matter what you do, there is but one mind in those people and it is turned against you. Please do everything humanly possible for PH REFINERY to work. Support Dangote Refinery to get crude oil locally. We must not be importing fuel forever. Therefore, you should beware of the ildes of August Your Excellency.
Please make full implementation of suggestions by Taiwo Oloyede-led Tax Reforms Committee . This Committee has recommended the usage of N800 to $1 for Custom duty computation, but the Government has turned deaf ear to it. Why pulling out eminent technocrats from their respectable jobs without listening to their advice? ????
I hope the demonstration is shelved. But, the Government is yet to address issues fueling hyperinflation in the system – insecurity, Floating Rate Policy, PMS subsidy removal, etc.
May you continue to succeed and may the patriotic Nigerians continue to progress in spheres of life in the mighty name of God.
Ireeeee oooooo kabiti.
Ayoade Davidson Ojeniyi FCA
26 07 2024
