By Ayodele Oni

Some aggrieved youths in South West have accused the Minister of Youths, Dr Jamila Ibrahim of non performance and urged President Bola Tinubu to sack her.

Apparently angered by their non invitation to a youth Summit programme for South West, which was held in Akure, Ondo state on Tuesday, the group, under the South West Youth Action Network, noted that Jamila’s role is crucial in shaping policies that should empower the youth and address their concerns.

A statement, signed by Kayode Seun, Coordinator of the group, stated that

“…she has effectively surrendered the Ministry to ineffectiveness. Her lack of effective communication and engagement with young Nigerians has been glaring.

“Dr. Jamila, who is a product of the ruling class lacks the understanding of the poor people of Nigeria nor the lofty visions of her young people.

“Reports indicate that instead of spearheading initiatives that resonate with the aspirations of the youth, she has been predominantly absent from major dialogues, leaving young people feeling marginalized and unheard.

“In recent months, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in unrest, with the voices of the youth echoing across the nation for change and accountability.

“At the forefront of the causal effect leading to unrest is the Hon. Minister of Youths, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, whose actions and decisions have increasingly come under scrutiny. It is clear that her tenure is not just underwhelming but detrimental to the interests of Nigerian youth and overall governance.

“The idea that she is performing below expectations makes it justifiable in the interest of Nigerian youths, It is time to say, “#JamilaMUSTGO.”

“This disengagement has fostered frustration and disillusionment within the youth demographic, fueling unrest across various regions. The current protest could have been averted or reduced to the bearest minimum with an effective youth minister who better understands the plight of young people.

“Furthermore, her controversial policies, perceived as out of touch with the realities faced by Nigerian youth, have only exacerbated the situation.

“Many of her initiatives lack transparency and meaningful input from the people they are supposed to serve. The mere thought that a meager few is selected for her proposed Southwest programme in Ondo State further shows the lack of insight.

“This top-down approach has not only caused a rift between the youths and the government but has also cast a shadow over the Tinubu administration’s commitment to inclusivity and progress.

“Dr. Jamila’s inaction in addressing pressing issues such as unemployment, lack of access to education, and youth empowerment. Her inability to implement substantial programmes that offer real solutions has left many young Nigerians frustrated and hopeless.

“That the renewed hope is now gradually looking like rocket science and mirage. The current unrest is a reflection of this accumulated dissatisfaction, and as the Minister, her failure to act decisively compounds the issues.

“An effective leader must inspire confidence and foster positive change. Unfortunately, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim’s tenure has instead become synonymous with disappointment and discontent. The continued unrest serves as a direct indictment of her leadership and its impact on the Tinubu administration’s credibility.

“As Nigeria moves forward, it is critical that leadership reflects the needs and aspirations of the people, particularly the youth. Consequently, we are announcing and calling for Dr. Jamila Ibrahim to step down. It is not just a critique of her individual actions but a broader demand for a better direction that resonates with the hopes of a nation yearning for change. For the sake of Nigeria’s future, #JamilaMUSTGO.”

By Ayodele Oni

The presidency has said that handling of the ongoing nationwide Protests by security agents deserves commendation, and not condemnation as observed by presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga in a statement, advised Atiku that  “As a statesman, his warning ought to have been issued to the looting mob in Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Jigawa states, who hijacked what was advertised by organisers as a peaceful protest.

“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar this evening tweeted the absurd, warning security agencies against using lethal force against looters and arsonists who masqueraded as protesters.

“Our security forces have remained professional and even-handed and observed every restraint in the face of extreme provocation by the rioters.

“We are surprised that Alhaji Atiku is still relying on Section 40 of our constitution (as amended) to justify a protest that is now clearly a riot, a rampage in some parts of the country.

“Section 45 of the constitution says the right of assembly and freedom of expression are not absolute rights. They can be abridged and fettered in the interest of public peace, safety, law, and order.

“The Service Chiefs reiterated the rights of Nigerians to protest and gather freely. They, however, reinforced their constitutional duty today when they said they can not sit by idly and watch hoodlums destroy the country and its democracy.

“The Service Chiefs, officers, and men of our security outfits should be commended for their patriotic duty to our country.

“As a supporter and enabler of the destructive ‘protests,’ Alhaji Atiku wants the sinister protests to continue despite the street’s red signals. A tweet that condones the destruction of private and public property and citizens’ investments is unexpected from a former vice president of Nigeria.

“Alhaji Atiku ought to have risen above the sentiment he expressed and put the interest of our country’s stability ahead of whatever advantages he hoped to reap from the insurrection on our streets.

“We encourage Alhaji Atiku to adopt a more nationalistic approach that transcends personal interests and focuses on the greater good of our nation.

“He should take a cue from opposition figures in the United Kingdom who have rallied behind the government to condemn the ongoing riots in the UK, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the wanton destruction of public and private assets.

“Such a nationalistic temperament, as displayed by opposition figures such as  Rishi Sunak, the immediate past Prime Minister of the UK, is expected of Alhaji Atiku.

“If Alhaji Atiku had followed this approach, he would have given hope for a united front against the destructive protests.”