By DAPO FALADE
President Muhammadu Buhari is still receiving knocks over his speech on the violence that greeted the #EndSARS protest as the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon in Oyo State, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, has declared that the president’s broadcast fell short of the expectations of Nigerians.
The traditional ruler said he arrived at his position after several consultations with many leaders whom he said held same position and felt disappointed because the speech lacked substance required to quell the riot enveloping the nation.
Oba Alao said the president failed to address the issue at stake and was silent on the emotions and yearnings of the peaceful youths, adding that the country is riddled with corruption, nepotism, bad governance, egocentric government officials and gross violation of human rights.
He said the intelligence of Nigerians is being taken for granted after loss of lives and property and therefore called for restructuring because, according to him, the country is operating on illegal constitution and structure.
“Can the president give the statistics of people in his local government area in Katsina State between the ages of 1 to 10; 10 to 18; 18 to 35; 35 to 50; 50 to 60; 60 to 70 and so on? I bet you, our leaders in government cannot account for the statistics of their local government, state and federation.
“The question is: how do you then plan for the unemployed youths and the welfare of citizens which is statutory and not a privilege? Moreover, how do you secure the lives and properties of Nigerians?
“The president and his cohorts have continue to disappoint me and the entire nation. The solution is that we must go back to drawing board to restructure, reconstitute and regionalise the nation.
“As a first class royal father, I will never fold my arms or keep my mouth shut and watch this crop of bad politicians in government continue to destroy this country.
“I am using this medium to plead with the innocent sincere Nigerians to be patient while we await the outcome of the president’s speech,” he said.
He urged the government to keep population data to capture all Nigerians of all ages and sex without which, he maintained, they would not be able to conduct credible polls to elect credible people into government.
“In this system, local government is a conduits pipe for exchange of money. Most states are not functioning well; they only live on federal allocation.
“The #EndSARS incident is a reflection of corruption, nepotism, unemployment and social vices. It is unfortunate and sad that the president offered no apology over the use of military during the protest.
“He gave no answer to who gave order to the soldiers to come out against innocents peaceful protesters. Well, I pray to God almighty to intervene in our situation,” he added.
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