by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The 10 days’ #EndBadGovernance protesters in Plateau State have presented their demands to the Plateau State Governor to end the protest.
The Coalition on Saturday met with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and his cabinet on the final day of the national protest in Jos.
While addressing the meeting at Government House Little Rayfield Jos, Saturday, Governor Mutfwang told the Coalition that, “We have been in this struggle together to make life better for Nigeria.
“I don’t have a choice because I am one of you. I have relations, who are going through this affliction. They come to me and cry to me; some have been able to meet their needs, but some for several of them have not been able to meet their needs.”
He stressed that, “Because I’m also limited with the reality. Why do I say so? It’s just to let you know that I feel your pains. When I know that somebody, who works hard, is frustrated by electricity tariff, I am also frustrated.
“I want you to know that, there is nothing that you are going through that we did not feel the same. Now that we are in the seat of leadership, be sure of finding solution for the situation,” he said.
He noted that, “From the year 2015 to 2023 – were the years when Nigerians and Nigeria where stopped of the dignity of humanity and moved from one of the biggest economy nation in Africa to the poverty capital in the world.
“When the locust take our wealth, this were years when the forth line for our diverse were tight, and were years when corruption became a culture; and we are coming at a time when things are very bad.
“I agree with you totally. The time has come – and time is now – that we must change the story of our nation,” Mutfwang retorted, and assured of his Government’s commitment to making Plateau and Nigeria a better place, adding that, his administration inherited challenging situations.
He assured of his efforts to lay the foundation for a better Plateau State, and commended the Coalition for organizing a peaceful protest.
According to the governor, “Good governance is a collective responsibility, which requires effective communication,” he said, while assuring of plans to establish community markets for citizens and his government, adding that, discussions with private investors to build new markets for the people is ongoing.
The governor further assured of beefing-up government’s communication process to make sure that the people understand what government is doing for them, because without effective communication, there will be no proper understanding of government’s policies.
Governor Mutfwang assured the Coalition that for the national demands, he will submit to the President for necessary action(s).
The representatives of the #EndBadGovernance Coalition, Sam Ode, presented the state and national demands to the governor, which included reducing tuition fees at Plateau State University, decreasing the cost of governance, and publishing detailed information on the state’s expenditures.
While calling for the payment of minimum wage and other benefits, the Coalition also included in their national demands “reversing subsidy,” “reducing tuition fees in federal institutions,” and “reviewing electricity tariffs.”
Also, an advocate of Peace and Justice, Ishaya Inusa, commended the security agencies for their civility during the protest, saying that, the protest demonstrated that demands can be made without violence.
He also appreciated the support of the people and said that “Hunger affects everyone, not just the youths,” and urged the government to consider the demands of the youths.
In her own words, a member of the Coalition, Mildred Bako, urged the government to provide alternative accommodation for those displaced by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board’s recent demolitions.
Speaking earlier, Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Bashir Datti, acknowledged the hardships faced by the people, and urged the youths to pursue dialogue. He equally appreciated the Coalition’s willingness to engage with the government, saying, “This demonstrates the strength of the people of Plateau State.”