Leaders of the #endbadgovernance protesters in Jos, Plateau State, met with the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and presented their demands, calling for urgent response.
The meeting was held at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
Leaders of the youth groups, security agencies, state government officials, and other stakeholders in attendance saw the youths presenting their demands, asking questions, and getting answers from the governor and his lieutenants.
Governor Mutfwang, who addressed the youths after they had presented their demands, commended them for their sense of responsibility and coordination when the protest lasted.
He assured them of his commitment not to disappoint them in governance.
The governor said, “I sincerely appreciate you for agreeing to come for this town hall meeting.
“If we were not in government, we would be with you on the same side. We have been a part of this struggle to make life better for Nigerians. I am one of you. I am here by the grace of God but I don’t forget my humble beginning.
“I feel your pain when I know that somebody who is willing to work hard but is frustrated by electricity and can’t make a profit out of his business. I am equally frustrated.
“When I was elected, the fact was not lost on me that we came in at a very difficult time.
“2015 to 2023 were the years when Nigeria and Nigerians were stripped of the dignity of humanity, the locusts ate our wealth, I agree with you that we must change the story of our nation.
“We started below ground zero and we are inching our way to the point to lay a new foundation for the Plateau of our dream.
“I thank you for the way you conducted yourselves during the protest. Protest is a right, but you have a responsibility to ensure the protest does not degenerate to a point where it is highjacked by the enemy of Plateau.”
… on their demands
Responding to some of the demands on the State, he explained, “We have instructed that all demolitions be halted, and we are looking for spaces to develop community markets within the State.
“We won’t do anything to push citizens into penniless but no society develops with lawlessness.”
.. the youths’ demand
Earlier, the youth leaders including Ishaya Inuwa, Mildred Bakwo, Sam Odey, and others presented their points.
According to Inuwa, “The protest was a legitimate one because of the desire to end bad governance. The protest shows we can make our demands without violence.
“This is the 10th day. We are here so you listen to us. When leaders hear the citizens, we will build a nation.
“Hunger is not a youth problem but a national problem. We want to see the government respond to the demands; this should not be a political gathering.”
Bakwo added, “The leaders of #endbadgovernance protest are Nigerians, the organizers of the protest are hunger and hardship.
“The protest is not against your government. We ask that the electricity tariff be reviewed downward, we run petty businesses and can’t afford the high tariffs.
“We appreciate the efforts at beautifying Jos, but alternative venues should be provided for them to do their lawful businesses.”
Odey presented two charters of demands, one to the federal government through the State Governor and one to the State Government.
The Governor received and promised to deliver the message to the federal government.
