In a decisive move to uphold democratic principles, the Accountable Leadership for Better Nigeria Initiative, ALBNI, has firmly rejected international and domestic calls for an unlawful regime change, emphasizing the need for a legitimate and accountable response to the escalating demands of protesters.
This announcement comes amid increasing tensions as widespread demonstrations have engulfed the nation, driven by growing dissatisfaction with government policies and alleged corruption.
The group in a statement by the Executive Director, Remi Adebayo and the Director Legal Matters, Monday Adjeh acknowledged the legitimate grievances of the protesters and urged the government to listen to their demands, while emphasizing that the nation’s democracy is built on the principles of constitutional governance and the rule of law.
“The Accountable Leadership for Better Nigeria Initiative acknowledges the widespread concerns and legitimate grievances expressed by Nigerian citizens through the ongoing protests to address the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu which have been blamed for the prevailing economic hardship, hunger and rising costs of living in the country.
“ALBNI recognizes the significant challenges confronting Nigerians, including economic hardship, hunger, corruption, and the need for electoral reforms as being championed by the citizens in some states across the nation.
“In light of recent developments, ALBNI strongly opposes calls for regime change as being championed in certain quarters,” the statement partly read.
ALBNI also urged the government at all levels to address the legitimate demands of the protesters, calling for immediate and long-term innovations to alleviate the economic hardships and hunger being faced by Nigerians with policies that permit availability of food items and other essential commodities.
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“We urge all stakeholders to focus on constructive dialogue and solutions within the framework of our democratic institutions to address the prevailing economic challenges plaguing Nigeria.
“While also conscious of the violence that has greeted the #EndBadGovernance protests in some states, we call on security agencies to exercise utmost professionalism and caution in handling the protests,” read the statement.
ALBNI outlined a series of proposals aimed at addressing the protesters’ demands, including the immediate cutting down in costs of governance by political and public office holders, advocacy for electoral reforms through non-political selection of leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission and an inclusive dialogue between the government and civil society, which the organization viewed as imperative and required to address frustrations of protesters.
ALBNI views this as very imperative and an urgent initiative that must be embraced, particularly at the grassroots with the recent return of full financial autonomy to LGAs.
“We believe that through collaborative efforts and respectful dialogue, we can address the pressing issues facing our nation. The path forward requires a commitment to democratic principles, responsible governance, and a willingness to engage constructively with the voices of the Nigerian people,” it noted.
While commending the efforts of the law enforcement agencies to control protesters, ALBNI noted that it was imperative that “these agencies protect lawful protesters from infiltration by hoodlums and criminal elements who seek to disrupt and exploit the situation for their own agendas.
“The right to peaceful protest is inviolable fundamental aspect of our democracy, and it is crucial that security forces uphold the law while ensuring the safety of all participants.”
The group enjoined protesters to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the President to embrace dialogue and peaceful resolution, while also calling on Nigerians to “rein in all anti-democratic elements seeking to hide under the ongoing protests to undermine the civil rule without which the space to ventilate such grievances as the hardship protests might not have been possible.”
ALBNI reiterates its commitment to advocating for an accountable, transparent, democratic and better Nigeria that foster positive change for the majority, and indeed, all Nigerians.
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