#IStandWithNigeria
#IStandWith2baba
Since the idea of a nationwide march was first mentioned, the need
for urgent solutions to the challenges facing Nigerians has become very
clear. The people have hoped for a better Nigeria since 1999 but things
are not getting any better for the majority. We are still where we are –
poor and desperate. I will be no longer be quiet.
I want to thank EiE, The 2face Foundation, numerous colleagues and
countless fellow Nigerians for stepping up to partner with me. I am just
a musician with a point of view and the ear of my fans.
I have dedicated my time and resources to peace building, voter
education towards peaceful elections and youth engagement in governance
in Nigeria. This time around, my partners, colleagues and I have come
together to present a platform for real Nigerians to communicate their
real pains to government at all levels in a peaceful and articulate
manner with a view to getting lasting solutions to our problems.
This march is about demanding that all saboteurs of good government policies should hands off.
This march is about encouraging positive minded Nigerians to continue to work without intimidation.
We have a system that is clearly designed not to work for the majority.
What is this match not about?
It is not a platform for politicians of any party to manipulate. I
know you will still spin it but for one second leave your battles aside
and just listen to people without trying to score cheap political points
against one another. It is not a point scoring exercise. It is
certainly not personal.
It is not an organized labour platform. With all due respect to our
comrades who have done much for Nigeria, this march is for the
unrepresented.
It is not a ‘my religion or tribe is better than yours’ matter. All our blood is red.
I, Innocent Idibia, am a living example of a Nigerian who owes their
success to Nigerians of every tribe and religion. None ask what religion
or tribe I am before supporting me. I am grateful.
Therefore, it is with every sense of humility that I say that with this march, I want:
1) Security
All Nigerians lives MUST matter. My religion, ethnicity or what part
of the country I live shouldn’t determine the type of protection I get
from my government.
According to the Constitution, “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
2) Education
To develop beyond oil, we have to invest in our human capital. Every
child must have access to quality education. If our teachers are not
paid, how will we raise the next generation to lead the country and run
our businesses?
3) Health
Health is wealth. People die daily from lack of basic, affordable health care. We can definitely do better.
4) Power
Government needs to make it easier to generate power at the state and
local government level so everything is not tied to the center. We need
electricity to be productive. The cost of generating our own power is
crippling.
5) Unemployment
Poor education plus a struggling economy means a lot of people are unemployed. Unemployed people are hungry and angry.
6) High cost of living
Food, transportation, medicine, everything is 3 times, 4 times more
expensive but our salaries haven’t increased. What do we do???
7) Social Justice
According to the Constitution, “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall
be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice.”
There cannot be one set of rules for the poor and another set for the rich.
8) Transparency
The best way to kill corruption is to increase transparency.
Government finances and contracts must be open and available to all. Who
got the money, to do what and by when?
9) Cost of government
Our governance is TOO expensive – federal, state, local – cars,
housing, allowances. We must reduce the cost of maintaining our public
officials
10) Patriotism
I stand with Nigeria. There is enough in Nigeria for all of us to
“chop belleful”. Enough is enough. We must put Nigeria first and keep
all the greedy & selfish people away from leadership.
Call to Action
Between now and Monday, February 6, I ask you to share via videos,
Facebook, Twitter, blogs, SMS to 0902-355-5335. How are these issues
affecting you? What are your daily struggles? How is it doing you? No
matter what part of the world you are, I encourage you to share your
stories. And join me on Monday in Surulere or online
Use any of the hashtags #IStandWith2Baba #IStandWithNigeria #OneVoiceNigeria on social media.
We will take all the reports and send them to our elected
representatives as ONE VOICE of Nigerians across party, ethnic and
religious lines – as they hear real people talk about real issues.
On Monday, February 6th, meet me at the National Stadium at 8AM and
we’ll walk to the National Theatre – 2 national icons that epitomize our
decline – as we state clearly and peacefully that #IStandWithNigeria
and Nigeria must work for all of us and all of us must work for Nigeria.