3 months ago
9
A coalition of youths in Plateau State presented its charter of demands to the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, in Jos on Saturday, for onward transmission to President Bola Tinubu.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Plateau residents, predominantly youths, marched through major streets of Jos as part of the ongoing nationwide protests.
However, the protests were later hijacked by some hoodlums, who began looting and destroying public and private property.
This situation prompted the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew on the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
Presenting the charter on behalf of the youths, their representative, Mr Sam Ode, stated that the demands required the input of both the state government and the Federal Government.
“For the state government, we demand an immediate reduction in the cost of governance. We also request an explanation of how the various palliatives and funding from the Federal Government are being utilised.
“We further call on the state government to implement the minimum wage recently signed into law by the president and to reduce the school fees of tertiary institutions.
“For the Federal Government, we urge the president to end corruption, reverse the pump price of fuel to ₦300, and also reverse the hike in electricity tariffs,” Ode said.
He also urged the Federal Government to cut the cost of governance, re-open all national borders, and embark on judicial reforms.
“I want our leaders to understand that these demands reflect the will of the people towards a pathway for sustainable development. We are not rebelling against the government,” he added.
In response, Governor Mutfwang thanked the protesters for maintaining peace throughout the demonstrations and promised to convey their demands to the president.
The governor pledged to enable the active participation of youths in his administration, adding that the government would be open to legitimate criticism.
He assured the public of transparency and accountability in distributing the palliatives from the Federal Government to the people of Plateau State.
“We are doing a lot to boost agriculture, healthcare services, tourism, education, public transportation, sports, and the ease of doing business to improve the local economy.
“In some areas, we will need the support of the private sector to end poverty and hunger and to realise the Plateau of our dreams.
“I will transmit your demands to the president next week, but all I ask of you is to be patient and support us in achieving success.
“We will continue to provide quality leadership to the people, and I thank you for conducting yourselves peacefully throughout the protests,” Mutfwang said.
NAN.
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