Tubaba
Music legend, Innocent Idibia popularly known as 2face
addressed issues surrounding the planned demonstration against the Federal
Governmt over the current economic situation of the country in a Facebook video
yesterday.
The planned protest has also been moved to February 6 because
president Buhari who is currently on a 10 day medical vacation in the UK is
expected back to the country on Monday, February 6th.
Read the full text of his message below;
“Hello my fellow Nigerians…
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 march 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.
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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 6, 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.
Thank you! God bless Nigeria!!!”
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