A Nigerian Diaspora group, National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, based in the United States of America, USA, Friday, called on President Bola Tinubu, to halt all deadly and coordinated attacks on innocent Nigerians.
In a statement tagged ‘Urgent Call for Action: Addressing Key Issues in Nigeria’, and signed by the Chairman, NADECO USA, Prof Mondy Gold, expressed concern over the impunity of some political office holders and their dictatorial actions at the detriment of other Nigerians.
Gold said: “NADECO expresses deep concern over the tragic Christmas Day incident in Plateau State, where over two hundred Christians lost their lives. The organization sees this as indicative of a resurgence of religious persecution, a matter that requires immediate national and international attention.
“The security situation in Nigeria is a matter of great concern, with NADECO calling for a concrete response to the insecurity crisis. The deadly coordinated attacks must be halted, and there is a call for a thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of the security measures in place. If necessary, a realignment of priorities and strategies is demanded to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens.
“NADECO emphatically calls for a detribalized, accountable, and people-oriented leadership in Nigeria. The organization highlights that achieving this goal may necessitate a proper restructuring and amendment of the current constitution.”
He also expressed dismay over the way recent monetary allocations were made while Nigerians are really suffering due to poor access to basic amenities including high food prices amid daunting insecurity challenges.
“The specific allocation of funds has drawn scrutiny, as outlined by NADECO. The allocation of substantial amounts, such as N20 billion for the renovation of the Vice President’s official quarters, N10 billion for digitalizing the quarters of the President and Vice President, N8 billion for the President’s quarters’ renovation, N12 billion for building a Legislative Library, N3 billion for purchasing books for the Library, and N6 billion for the members of the National Assembly’s parking lot, has raised questions about the prioritization of national needs in the face of a depressed economy.
“NADECO poses critical questions about the apparent misplacement of priorities and expresses concern about the recklessness in allocating such significant sums.
“The organization contends that these expenditures will not translate into increased productivity, particularly in vital areas such as agriculture and transportation, and will not effectively address the unemployment crisis faced by millions of Nigerian youths.
“Furthermore, NADECO notes economic indicators pointing to a depressed economy and urges decisive action to address the macroeconomic crisis”, he said.
However, he (Gold) made NADECO’s position clear and demanded that there must
a transformative shift in Nigeria’s trajectory, freedom from the shackles of divisive forces, and others.
“The position of NADECO underscores the urgency for Nigeria to embrace a new era and call for a transformative shift in Nigeria’s trajectory, one that aims to break free from the persistent challenges of tribalism, ethnicity, nepotism, favoritism, religiosity, and corruption.
“NADECO emphasizes that Nigeria, with its immense human potential, must awaken to its rightful place in the global community. The organization underscores the critical need for Nigerian Diaspora to actively participate in shaping a new national order. It is time to transcend the cycles that have hindered progress and inflicted suffering on millions of Nigerians.
“Additionally, the call for a new Nigeria is grounded in the belief that the country’s vast potential can only be fully realized when freed from the shackles of divisive forces. NADECO envisions a future where all federating units can advance independently, without unnecessary interference from the federal government. This vision extends to a Nigeria where lives and property are safeguarded, and fatal coordinated attacks become a thing of the past.
“The aspiration for a new Nigeria extends to empowering citizens to explore their resources, innovate in creating electricity, and chart their unique paths to progress and development. NADECO envisions a nation where the government is responsive to the needs and aspirations of its people, managing resources in the best interests of the entire populace.”
He therefore called on Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to ensure Nigeria gets it right with a positive mindset.
“Together, we can contribute to the realization of a new Nigeria—one that is properly restructured, stands united, free from the burdens of the past, and ready to embrace a future of prosperity and self-determination”, he added.
