Chief Mulade Sheriff, a Delta State-born environmental and peace advocate, has expressed concern over the recent waving of the Russian flag by some protesters during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria. He urged the Federal Government to swiftly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to prevent a reoccurrence. Chief Mulade emphasized that such an act is a “treasonable offence with strong implications for Nigeria,” as the protest should solely focus on Nigeria’s internal socio-economic issues without involving any foreign influence.
As the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief Mulade stressed the importance of addressing the grievances raised by Nigerians, noting that over 80% of the population is affected by the ongoing economic hardship. He outlined five key areas that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration should focus on to alleviate the situation:
1. Reconsider Fuel Prices: He called on the government to reverse the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) for six months until the Port-Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries become operational.
2. Address Security Challenges: Immediate action is needed to resolve security issues, ensuring food availability and security for farmers.
3. Reduce Cost of Governance: The government should demonstrate leadership by cutting down on the cost of governance, starting from the federal level and extending to state governors.
4. Revise the Student Loan Scheme: The Federal Government’s educational initiative could be more effective if the student loan scheme were transformed into a ‘Student Educational Support Programme’ to better support students.
5. Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts: The government should reinforce the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission (ICPC) to fight corruption impartially, regardless of political affiliations.
Chief Mulade’s remarks highlight the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure the stability and prosperity of Nigeria.
