Former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr, has provided six urgent recommendations to President Bola Tinubu in response to the ongoing hunger protests across Nigeria.

Nweke emphasizes the necessity for President Tinubu to engage directly with the citizens affected by economic hardships.

Here are Nweke Jr’s six recommendations:

1. Direct Engagement with Citizens:

– President Tinubu should address Nigerians directly regarding the economic challenges and protests, rather than using intermediaries. This direct communication can help bridge the gap between the government and the people.

2. Investigation of Protester Killings:

– There should be an immediate investigation into the reported killings of peaceful and unarmed protesters by security forces. Holding the security services accountable for these actions is crucial.

3. Reduce the Cost of Governance:

– Immediate and concrete steps must be taken to reduce the size and cost of governance. This includes reviewing and lowering the salaries of public officials and taking robust measures against corruption and wastefulness in the government

4. State Governments Accountability:

– With increased Federal Accounts Allocations due to the subsidy removal, state governments must be held accountable for utilizing these funds effectively. The President should encourage structured partnerships with citizens to ensure state governments meet their responsibilities.

5. Local Government Oversight:

– Following the ruling that state governors should not administer funds meant for Local Governments, an accountability and monitoring mechanism must be established. This mechanism should ensure Local Governments provide critical services to citizens.

6. Promote Constructive Engagement:

– The President should encourage Nigerians to engage constructively with the government. Utilizing eminent citizens to facilitate a national conversation between the government and the populace can help develop a consensus on addressing the nation’s challenges.

Frank Nweke Jr. underscores the importance of these steps in addressing the pressing economic issues and ensuring the government remains accountable and responsive to the needs of its citizens.