Protest: Nigerian Cleric Lists Urgent Measures for Tinubu to Address National Crises

Prophet Isa El Buba, the General Overseer of the Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministry International (EBOMI), has issued a passionate plea for decisive government action to address the mounting crises in Nigeria. Speaking on various national issues, Prophet El Buba called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to demonstrate seriousness and commitment to the Nigerian people.

Immediate Government Actions Urged

Prophet El Buba outlined several urgent measures for President Tinubu to implement within the next few days to show his dedication to addressing Nigeria’s challenges. These measures include:

1. Reduce Government Spending: Prophet El Buba called for an immediate reduction in presidential and ministerial expenditures, emphasizing the need for austerity in the face of economic hardship. He criticized the purchase of a new presidential aircraft amidst an economic crunch, urging the President to lead by example by using existing resources.
2. Cabinet Reshuffle: He urged the President to relieve non-performing ministers and appoint a dedicated team to drive Nigeria forward. Highlighting the proactive efforts of the Minister of Works, he called for more field-oriented ministers.
3. Infrastructure Repairs: Prophet El Buba stressed the need for immediate repairs to critical roadways that are in dangerous condition, particularly highlighting roads in Benue, Cross River, Enugu, and Kwara states.
4. Agricultural Support: He called for the release of subsidized fertilizers and high-yield seeds to farmers, rejecting the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Prophet El Buba emphasized the importance of genuine civil rights groups monitoring the distribution to prevent political interference.
5. Fuel and Energy Reforms: He advocated for the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) convertible kits to reduce transportation costs and called for the removal of corrupt NNPC officials, along with a subsidized diesel program to lower transportation expenses.
6. Police and Military Reforms: Prophet El Buba urged the Inspector General of Police to address corruption and extortion at police checkpoints and called for better protection for soldiers and farmers against bandits and terrorists through community ranger programs.
7. Electricity Tariff Reversal: He demanded a reversal of the recent electricity tariff increase to provide relief to Nigerians until the economy improves.
8. Financial Reforms: Prophet El Buba called for a halt to international borrowing and the development of a system that encourages Nigerians to invest in their country, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors.
9. Anti-Corruption Measures: He urged the President to empower the EFCC to investigate and recover looted funds from past and present government officials, using the recovered funds for education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

Long-Term Reforms Proposed

In addition to immediate actions, Prophet El Buba outlined long-term reforms necessary for Nigeria’s stability and growth:

1. Constitutional Review: He called for the scrapping of the 1999 Constitution and the adoption of a new constitution that reflects the will of the Nigerian people, building on the work of the 2014 Constitutional Amendment.
2. Legislative Reforms: Prophet El Buba proposed making lawmaking a part-time endeavor to deter corrupt politicians from seeking office and recommended the abolition of the Senate to streamline the legislative process.
3. Educational Investments: He emphasized the need for grants (not loans) for students and aggressive pursuit of free and compulsory education for all Nigerian children.
4. Release of Nnamdi Kanu: Prophet El Buba suggested the conditional release of Nnamdi Kanu to help reduce tensions in the southeast, provided he respects the Nigerian Constitution.
5. Public Enterprise Sales: He advocated for the sale of publicly owned enterprises to Nigerian citizens rather than government officials, to promote transparency and fairness.
6. Judiciary Reforms: Prophet El Buba called for a massive shake-up of the judiciary to remove corrupt judges and ensure justice for all Nigerians.
7. Rail and Waterway Development: He recommended consolidating rail and waterway transportation to ease road traffic and improve goods transportation.
8. Electoral Reforms: He called for immediate reforms in the electoral process and the removal of corrupt individuals from the Nigerian electoral body.
9. Youth Employment and Skills Training: Prophet El Buba emphasized the need for massive investment in public works and industrialization to employ Nigerian youths and proposed the establishment of skill training centers across the country.

Prophet El Buba concluded by urging the President to take these actions before August 1, 2024, to demonstrate his commitment to ending bad governance. He stressed that if these demands are not met, the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria will organize a street rally to demand change. He called for a peaceful and protected rally where Nigerians can express their concerns and aspirations.

“We want to see a Nigeria where the government is responsive and responsible, where leaders act with integrity and accountability. This is the time for Nigeria to get it right,” Prophet El Buba declared. “Mr. President, this is not a time for talking; it’s a time for action.”

The call to action by Prophet Isa El Buba highlights the growing frustration among Nigerians and the urgent need for government intervention to address the nation’s pressing issues.