Renowned Nigerian musician Dr. Bongos Ikwue on the 12th of August, 2024, urged the government and leaders to address the concerns of protesting youths and the general public.
In response to the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, Ikwue called for a more open and receptive approach from the government, emphasizing that the actions of the protesters should be seen as an essential aspect of democratic checks and balances.
“Nigerian leaders should be aware that there is a paradigm shift; modern-day Nigerians have evolved to putting their leaders to task – a departure from docility,” he stated, noting that “bad governance is not limited to government but also to our homes, communities, organisations, religious organisations, and associations”.
“Everyone in position of leadership to address the demands of protesting youths and the silent affected masses including local, state and federal governments should be liberal in accepting both the protesters and their actions as part of the checks-and-balances of democracy,” he added.
Ikwue expressed his readiness to work with the government at local, state, and federal levels to meaningfully and effectively engage the youth.
Emphasizing that the condition of the youth is a key indicator of the country’s future, he urged that Nigeria’s young population should be properly counselled, adequately provided for, and carefully guided and monitored.
The musician acknowledged the hardships in the country, which he attributed to the rise in fuel prices, given that many activities in Nigeria depend on the use of premium motor spirit (PMS).
He sympathized with both the citizens and the government, noting that Nigerians are struggling with hunger, insecurity, violent attacks both at home and on farms, an inefficient healthcare system, and various other challenges.
Ikwue also called on the youth to put down their weapons and “cultivate the habit of using their minds to develop pragmatic, yet simple, solutions to the challenges we face individually and collectively.”
He advised against resorting to violence or allowing agents of destruction to exploit their grievances when addressing the government.
Furthermore, the singer criticized young people who seek illegal means to acquire wealth, urging them to take advantage of the many opportunities and resources available in society.
He also advised the government to implement specific measures to alleviate the hardship in the country.
“Parts of the solutions suggested to mitigate hardship in the country are reducing the demand for PMS by embracing CNG-powered vehicles, electric vehicles, building of recharge/filling stations for these vehicles; affordable mass transit scheme (tricycles inclusive); support to charity shops where foodstuff would be sold at lower prices; enhanced nationwide hi-tech security architecture (particularly of ungoverned areas); meaningful youth empowerment programmes; purposeful leadership training; and concerted visible efforts at stamping out corruption within government and citizens,” he said.
Ikwue also urged the government to establish an effective communication system to enhance mutual understanding between its programs and the public’s sentiments.