A leader of the Bauchi North zone’s #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, Isah Zaki, has voiced strong dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent nationwide address.
Zaki stated that the decision to potentially relax the protests in Bauchi North is due to disruptions caused by hoodlums, which have harmed local businesses.
He expressed willingness to suspend protests and engage in dialogue as the president suggested but emphasized that if dialogue fails, national assembly representatives should advocate for the people’s demands.
Zaki insisted that if these representatives do not effectively convey the protesters’ concerns, they should be recalled and replaced with those who will.
He said, “The president’s broadcast has not captured or mentioned any solutions to the demands of the poor masses. The only reason we are considering the relaxation of the protest in Bauchi North follows hoodlum activities during the protest which have done more harm to our businessmen.
“The broadcast did not, of course, address our demands and that of poor masses, but we have decided to listen to Mr president considering the unfortunate activities of hoodlums in parts of the protest.
“Also, we may suspend the protest and give room for dialogue as the president requested because we have the knowledge that every battle always ends in meaningful dialogue.”
Zaki added “In the event where the dialogue did work, we all call on our national assembly representatives to do the needful.
“That is what they are voted for, to speak on our behalf. In the President’s speech, it is clear that he does not understand our demands. We may give a chance for dialogue as I said, but if he doesn’t do the need, our national representatives in both green and red chambers must do the needful.
“Tell him the truth about our situation, or recall them back to vote for those that are equal to the task.”
Zaki emphasized that the reduction of protest activities in Bauchi North is not a response to the President’s request but a practical decision to mitigate the impact on local businesses affected by recent disturbances.
