By Lawrence Zongo
On a cold morning time, the peaceful protest began in Jos, despite the drilling rain, as demonstrators gathered at the popular Plateau State Secretariat Junction. Religious leaders, including Prophet Isa El-Buba, led the march to the old airport roundabout, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “End Bad Governance” and “End Hunger.” TG NEWS REPORTER WAS THERE
Prophet Isa El-Buba, leader of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), urged the protestors to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He commended them for their participation, calling them “The True Nigerians.” El-Buba appealed to the government to address the pressing issues of hunger and economic hardship facing the country.
Mildred Bako, a human rights activist, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign if he cannot meet the demands of the protestors. She urged Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to declare a 10-day free work period in solidarity with the protest, drawing comparisons to other governors who have shown support for the nationwide movement. “Food must be available,” Bako insisted, emphasizing the need to end the killings of farmers and the destruction of cropland in rural communities, particularly in Plateau State.
Ishaya Inuwa, Executive Director of the International Organization of Peace Building and Social Justice, criticized the reliance on palliatives and borrowing as unsustainable. He urged the government to focus on building industries and creating employment opportunities instead of providing short-term food aid. Inuwa warned that failure to address these issues could lead to widespread unrest that cannot be suppressed by security measures. “Leaders have a choice to either transform Nigeria now or face a costly revolution led by the people, who are desperate for change and willing to risk everything for it,” he stated.
Hon. Sunday Abdu, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (Pla-SEMA), encouraged the youth of Plateau State to be champions of peace, highlighting the state’s status as a haven of peace and a tourist destination. He pointed out Governor Mutfwang’s efforts to address the state’s challenges, including initiatives to provide fertilizer to farmers to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security. Additionally, the governor is working to provide food assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups within the state.
“The Governor is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by our people,” Hon. Abdu emphasized. “Through initiatives such as enhancing agricultural support and distributing food to those in need, he demonstrates his commitment to the well-being of all Plateau citizens.” Abdu’s appeal underscores the crucial role of youth engagement in sustaining peace and contributing to the state’s progress.
The protest was marked by a notable act of interfaith solidarity, with Christians guarding Muslims as they observed Zuhr’s prayer at the protest ground. The demonstration concluded peacefully in the cold evening time.