A former minister in the administration of then President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Solomon Dalung was among those who led ‘Hardship and End Bad Governance’ protest in Jos, on Thursday.
Dalung, who previously served as the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, was joined by Prophet Isa El-Buba and other notable figures.
The protest, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), saw a significant turnout of youths marching through the main streets of Jos, chanting songs of solidarity. Organizers have planned for the demonstrations to run from August 1 to 10.
At the protest’s commencement, Dalung emphasized that their aim was to call for improved governance. He stated, “There is widespread poverty, Nigerians are hungry, and the cost of living continues to rise. We are here not to incite trouble but to peacefully urge the government to address these pressing issues.”
Prophet Isa El-Buba, the Convener of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), also addressed the crowd, urging President Bola Tinubu to implement measures to combat corruption and poor governance. He framed the protest as a struggle for Nigeria’s future.
“This is a battle for good governance in Nigeria,” El-Buba declared. “We cannot retreat, as it is our duty to ensure that the voice of the people is heard and acted upon. When the people speak, it is the voice of God demanding an end to bad governance. Proper institutions will eliminate hunger, stop the violence, and ensure our armed forces serve the people effectively. We must persist until Nigeria achieves its potential. We love our nation and seek peace and progress.”
El-Buba further inspired the protesters, envisioning a Nigeria free from manipulation