Amid nationwide protests, a federal lawmaker from Kano, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa, has urged Nigerians to hold their governors accountable for the country’s problems, not just the president.
Speaking to officials of the Kano Youth Forum, Doguwa, a former Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, emphasized the role of state and local governments in addressing the nation’s issues. “I admit that there are issues. I agree with the Nigerian people that we have some itching problems, economic, social and other problems. However, I want to say that the problems bedevilling our society are not for the federal government alone to address,” he stated.
Doguwa pointed out that governors and local government councils also bear significant responsibility for utilizing public funds to provide essential services and ensure security. He stressed that governors, as the chief security officers of their states, must be held accountable for the safety and well-being of their residents. “This is why the governors are called chief security officers of their respective states, and they must be held accountable for protecting the lives and properties of their people,” he added.
The lawmaker condemned the looting and vandalism that marked the recent 10-day protests, which started on August 1 in various parts of the country. He called for a more democratic approach to addressing grievances, advising youths to engage in dialogue rather than protests. According to Doguwa, peaceful discussions are essential for resolving the pressing issues facing the nation.
“So, for me, it is a collective responsibility, and as such, not right to continue to blame the federal government. While I am not holding brief for the government, I agree that our people are really facing a lot of problems, and the government must be held responsible for that,” he noted. Doguwa further stated that solving the nation’s problems requires contributions from all sectors of society, including individuals, organizations, and associations.
