South East Farmers Association, the apex umbrella body of farmers in the South East, have, in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, drawn his attention to the advantages of the current nation wide protests and the lessons he should learn from it.
High Chief Levi Vincent, Executive Chairman of South East Farmers Association, in “an open letter to the President on the state of the Nation”, said, “First, I write to congratulate you on some remarkable achievements within the short span of this administration especially the Supreme Court Victory in respect of LGA autonomy in Nigeria.
Again, regarding the state of affairs in the country, i plead with you not to be discouraged and to regard the National Protest as;
A BLESSING IN DISGUISE and an Act of God. This protest will surely redefine our democratic ideals and strengthen the structure for good governance. It’s good to see Nigerians display high sense of maturity in expressing their grievances over the poor state of our economy that found evidence in hyper inflation, poverty, diseases and excruciating hunger.
Mr. President, this is not time to trade on blames. If anything, the citizens are to be blamed for not demanding leadership accountability in all ramifications. However, the golden opportunity has come. Nigerians are looking for a country that works for everyone irrespective of tribe or tongue. Thank you Mr. President for bringing back the former National Anthem that has bound us together in one brotherhood.
I sincerely hope you can seize this historic moment to reshape leadership in Nigeria. This is a duty trust you cannot afford to loose. Pls don’t let any Protester get hurt. They are your greatest assets. Your administration needs everyone of them. Call them to order. Engage them. Their fears and grievances are real and founded.
Mr. President, your success or failure in managing the current Protest will be a true test of your leadership will and confidence of Nigerians.
Mr. President, this Protest above every other thing will serve as eye opener for you to know that most of the highly commendable socio economic interventions your administration embarked upon since inception hardly get to the grassroots. For example, in the area of agriculture, the real farmers in the South East that I represent, don’t have access to ordinary fertilizer, as against tractors, harvesters, improved seedlings etc. This total neglect of agriculture has created very huge economic gap resulting into social security problems ranging from laziness to violent criminal activities.
Your Excellency, you must take advantage of this Protest to re- visit most of these anomalies hindering our Nations growth and prosperity. You must begin to align with registered grassroot based Associations for genuine rural development.
I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our combined security personnel’s for their due diligence, and applying professionalism in handling Protesters of the #EndBadGovernance Protest currently going on in the country.
Finally, I appeal to all the Protesters across Nigeria to listen to the voice of reason and make room for dialogue. We cannot get solution to our problems on the streets. Nigerians are deeply grateful for your sacrifices and zeal to build a better Nation. Your voices have been heard. I am sure President Bola Tinubu will listen to you if you give him the chance. End your Protest. Let’s not endanger our lives and the Nation. Let’s succeed together”.
