A Diaspora Human Rights group, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) based in the United States of America has on Friday called on President Bola Tinubu to stop the deadly and coordinated attacks on innocent Nigerians by unknown gunmen, as well as the corruption cases staring him in the face.
In a statement tagged ‘Urgent Call for Action: Addressing Key Issues in Nigeria’, the Chairman of NADECO USA, Prof Mondy Gold, expressed disappointment over the impunity of some political office holders and their dictatorial actions which are often at the detriment of other Nigerians.
The Diaspora group said: “NADECO expresses deep concern over the tragic Christmas Day incident in Plateau State, where over two hundred Christians lost their lives. The organization sees this as indicative of a resurgence of religious persecution, a matter that requires immediate national and international attention.
“The security situation in Nigeria is a matter of great concern with NADECO calling for a concrete response to the insecurity crisis. The deadly coordinated attacks must be halted, and there is a call for a thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of the security measures in place.
“If necessary, a realignment of priorities and strategies is demanded to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens.”
NADECO called for a detribalized, accountable, and people-oriented leadership in Nigeria.
The organization highlighted that achieving this goal may necessitate a proper restructuring and amendment of the current Nigerian constitution.
The chairman also expressed dismay over the way recent monetary allocations were made in the 2024 budget, while Nigerians are suffering due to poor access to basic amenities including high food prices coupled with the insecurity challenges.
The group frowned at how substantial amounts like N20 billion will be allocated for the renovation of the Vice President’s official quarters, N10 billion for digitalizing the quarters of the President and Vice President, N8 billion for the President’s quarters’ renovation, N12 billion for building a Legislative Library, N3 billion for purchasing books for the Library, and N6 billion for the members of the National Assembly’s parking lot in a depressed economy.
The allocation of such funds to some unimportant sectors has raised questions prioritization of national needs in the face of a depressed economy.
“NADECO poses critical questions about the apparent misplacement of priorities and expresses concern about the recklessness in allocating such significant sums.
“The organization contends that these expenditures will not translate into increased productivity, particularly in vital areas such as agriculture and transportation, and will not effectively address the unemployment crisis faced by millions of Nigerian youths.” the statement read.
Furthermore, NADECO notes economic indicators pointing to a depressed economy and urges decisive action to address the macroeconomic crisis.
Gold therefore made NADECO’s position clear and demanded that there must be a transformative shift in Nigeria’s trajectory, freedom from the shackles of divisive forces, and others.
“The position of NADECO underscores the urgency for Nigeria to embrace a new era and call for a transformative shift in Nigeria’s trajectory, one that aims to break free from the persistent challenges of tribalism, ethnicity, nepotism, favouritism, religiosity, and corruption,” he declared.
