Speaking at the forum, Dr. Fagbemi warned that the APC-led Federal Government has approximately 72 hours to implement critical policy adjustments to avert the impending #FearlessInOctober protests set to commence on October 1, 2024.
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has been urged to take immediate and decisive action to address the prevailing energy crisis in the country, ahead of a proposed #EndBadGovernance 2.0 protest tagged “#FearlessInOctober Protest”
Dr. Ayokunle Fagbemi, Executive Director of the Center for Peacebuilding and Socio-Economic Resources Development (CePSERD), made this call during his keynote address at the Citizens’ Forum on Energy Crisis organized by the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Zuma Deck. The event, themed “Energy Crisis in a Biting Economy: What Citizens Say,” was held at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Fagbemi warned that the APC-led Federal Government has approximately 72 hours to implement critical policy adjustments to avert the impending #FearlessInOctober protests set to commence on October 1, 2024.
He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must act swiftly to regain citizens’ trust and avoid a recurrence of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with governance.
Recommendations for Urgent Presidential Action
Dr. Fagbemi outlined a series of recommendations, calling on President Tinubu to:
Issue a Presidential Directive to the Attorney General of the Federation/Minister of Justice to enter a nolle prosequi for all already charged protesters, and facilitate the release of all detained protesters nationwide. He cited the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance movements as case studies for reference.
Direct the Director-General of the Department of State Services (SSS) to relocate Citizen Nnamdi Kanu to a “protected halfway-house safe haven apartment” under the concurrent oversight of the Nigeria Correctional Service. He suggested this move be accompanied by improved visitation rights for Kanu’s legal and medical teams, pending the resolution of his legal cases.
The political scientist and preventive peacebuilding expert also urged President Tinubu to incorporate these measures into his upcoming Independence Day speech, highlighting that they would demonstrate a commitment to listening to the people’s concerns and reinforce the responsiveness of his administration.
Addressing Root Causes of Citizens’ Dissatisfaction
During his speech, Dr. Fagbemi reviewed the performance of several government agencies, identifying shortcomings in their operations that have contributed to the energy crisis and subsequent public discontent. He emphasized that the lack of a coherent governance feedback system has resulted in suboptimal responses to citizens’ grievances.
As a solution, he proposed the establishment of a comprehensive Framework on Public Institutions Performance and Citizens Reaction Feedback Monitoring for Proactive Responses. This, he noted, would leverage existing agencies and policy frameworks such as the National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy (2022), SERVICOM, and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Fagbemi suggested that a Senior Special Assistant or Coordinator be appointed to oversee this feedback system, while stressing the need for direct oversight by the Chief of Staff to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Citizens’ Demands and Expectations
Dr. Fagbemi summarized the core demands of the citizens as presented during the forum. These include:
- The dismantling of the so-called “fuel subsidy cabal” responsible for Nigeria’s sustained energy crisis, and the prosecution of those involved.
- A commitment to optimal levels of energy availability, accessibility, and affordability.
- Unraveling the corruption and criminalities entrenched in the petroleum and electricity subsectors.
- Leadership from President Tinubu in combating corruption and ensuring energy security.
- Reformation of anti-citizen and pro-elite policies embedded in Nigeria’s governance structure, particularly those emanating from the 1999 Constitution and other skewed legislative frameworks.
Call for Leadership in Addressing Energy Sector Corruption
Dr. Fagbemi concluded by urging President Tinubu to confront the corruption and elite conspiracies that have held Nigeria’s energy sector captive. He maintained that this leadership is essential for achieving strategic petroleum reserves and restoring stability to the nation’s energy supply chain.
“The citizens are convinced that the energy crisis is propelled by anti-citizen, pro-elite, and anti-development governance frameworks,” Dr. Fagbemi stated, urging President Tinubu to adopt a novel approach in confronting these entrenched challenges.
The forum, attended by stakeholders across various sectors, served as a platform for citizens to voice their concerns and chart a way forward towards resolving the country’s energy crisis amidst a biting economy.
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