Nigerian youths under the aegis of Intellectual Progressive Youth Network (IPYN) has stated that if Nigeria would progress in its subsequent years, adoption of unicameral legislation, merger of duplicate agencies and reshuffle of security architecture is key.
National Coordinator of IPYN, Ambassador Salahudeen Lukman in his Independence Day broadcast, outlined three cardinal areas that must be address if Nigeria will experience progress in its ramifications.
Lukman said: ”Examining Nigeria at the beginning, the Post Independence era where regional system of Government was adopted, the Nigeria of yesterday where Military Junta ruled and Nigeria of today where politicians pilots the affairs obviously shows the decadence in the spirit of patriotism of Nigerians and Nigerian leaders.”
Cross examination of Nigeria at post independence
Lukman said: ”The post Independence days witnessed selfless leaders with commitment and passion for National Development. It was exemplified with legacy projects they all implemented as regional heads of Northern, Western and Eastern Regions respectively.
”Even with less technology and innovation, the military era had consistent leaders with passion for service as evident in many momental project initiated and executed.
”Such projects comprises NYSC, Third Mainland Bridge, International Conference Center Abuja, National Theatre Lagos, 1st Niger Bridge Asaba.
”Other such project are, Federal Secretariat Compexes Abuja, Aso Rock Villa Abuja, National Assembly Complex Abuja among others. But however had zero freedom for the citizens including the press.
”Our democracy today with available technology and innovation lacks compassionate, sincere and dedicated politicians. It lacks leaders who can drive the holistic development of our fatherland.
”Instead, political position is now conduit pipe to which state money are embezzled. Political office is now an avenue to enrich self, friends and family. Whereas it should have been an avenue to serve the people and the nation.
”As a youth group, we hereby call on Federal Government to as a matter of urgency consider the following Actions. The actions would in the best interest of Development of Nigeria and her citizenry.”
Immediate adoption of Unicameral Legislature needed in Nigeria
Lukman said: ”Firstly. the cost of sustaining bicameral legislature in Nigeria is now a threat to our development as a nation. Its appalling that some few individuals who sleep more at the hallowed chamber earn millions monthly where citizen live below 1$. Isn’t it abnormal?
”It’s abnormal in the face of reoccurring huge foreign debt incurred yearly to fund national budget. It’s an indication that the country is not financially stable hence Bicameral is not sustainable any longer.
”Where a set of 109 lawmakers have their budget fully implemented, the Nigeria Police Force gets 40% or less. Regrettably, the police are the people charged with security of life and Properties of over 180 millions Nigerians.
”Nigerians hereby call on Federal Government, particularly the National Assembly to commence legislative Proceeding to enact Unicameral Legislature. The existing bicameral legislature in Nigeria is too expensive to maintain.
”Our lawmakers at the bicameral have failed the people. They had all opportunity including the resources to develop their respective state as governors, but never did. These are the same set of people occupying the lower and upper chambers.”
Merger of all Duplicate Agencies Imperative in Nigeria
Lukman said: ”Secondly, the Federal Government should consider the merger duplicated agencies to allow the country save more money.
”The need for a merger should be considered following the return of expanded Federal Executive Council with 43 Ministers .
”Another new Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management has also been created. Recall that cutting cost of governance was an integral part of President Muhammed Buhari campaign in 2015.
”He must not jettison this integral part in his second term. It is believed to be for political compensation tricks. The economic situation of the country deserve holistic review of cost of governance. I dare say that obvious bureaucratic feature in the system call for this merger.
”For example, the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC and Vehicle Inspection Office VIO are duplicate. The Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC are also duplicate.
”These duplication and overlapping agencies should be merge for effectiveness and cost saving.”
Reshuffle of Security Architecture a must in Nigeria
Lukman said: ”Besides, President Muhammadu Buhari should think of reshuffle of the state security architecture.
”President Buhari must understand that Nigeria security situation is not in anyway improving in the recent. Aside the rampart kidnapping for ransom, bandit attack on villages and communities have not stop. This just as insurgency operation still persist in some part of North East.
”To this effect, new hands are required in security architecture of Nigeria. The incumbents have sincerely tried their best and we must give a new idea a chance to assist our course.
”Therefore, we call on Commander In Chief to Consider the reshuffle of security architecture for a robust and more efficient security framework to protect lives and properties.
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” Kaduna Abuja Express way, Benin Ore Express way, Brini Gwari Express way, East West Road and other Federal High ways accross Nigeria need attention of security.
”The government must equally be wary of her policies and programme in order not to be caught in an act of contradiction to her earlier pronouncements.
”To end the hardship of the masses and alleviates the already poor people, the increase in VAT to 10% was not necessary. This is just as the refusal to implement the #30,000 minimum wage is contradictory to the Mr President declaration.We hereby implore the presidency to consider the masses first in all her policy and programmes.”
Citizens should Express Hope in Nigeria’s progress
Lukman said: ”However, Nigerians are optimistic that our dear nation at 59th Independent with little or nothing significant to show will rise again.
”At 59 we believe God will touch the conscience of our leaders. God ignite their thinking on the need to be more dedicated to nation building than self building.
”House of Reresentative must start a propagation of new law to ban all public office holders from patronising foreign schools, just as it forbidden for all public office holder to operate foreign account.
”Our dilapidated education system is the root of our nation woe. Once fixed, many things will fall in place.
”However, such is only achievable if all hands are on deck. Only those who have confidence in project Nigeria should be entrusted with leadership roles.
”We hereby set 26th Day of October, a day for commencement of National Action/Campaign Against Bicameral Legislature in Nigeria.
”We implore as well invites all well meaning Nigerians, civil society groups and NGOs to join us on this noble course.
”On this day, world press conference shall hold in Abuja follow by peaceful mass protest to the National Assembly to deliver our call for unicameral legislature in Nigeria.”
