By Milcah Tanimu
Salihu Lukman, a prominent politician from Kaduna and former vice-chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the northwest, has voiced strong criticism of the current state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. In a recent statement, Lukman argued that, given the prevailing issues in the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several state governors should be considered candidates for immediate impeachment.
Lukman’s comments come in the wake of the “End Bad Governance in Nigeria” protests, which were held across several cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Jos. The protests were a response to the widespread dissatisfaction with the country’s leadership and the current economic situation, which has seen rising inflation and hardship for many Nigerians. According to Lukman, these protests highlight the deep frustrations and desperation felt by the populace, which he believes are being ignored by those in power.
He criticized the national assembly, referring to it as a “rubber stamp” institution that fails to hold the executive accountable, and pointed out that political parties have become ineffective, likening them to “leprous fingers.” Lukman suggested that if these democratic structures were functioning properly, the grievances expressed during the protests would have been sufficient grounds to initiate impeachment proceedings against the president and some governors.
Lukman also drew parallels between the Nigerian protests and similar movements in other countries, such as Kenya, where public demonstrations led to significant policy changes. He noted that the ongoing economic policies under President Tinubu, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira exchange rate, have exacerbated the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. These policies, he claimed, are directly responsible for the current inflation and widespread hardship.
Lukman emphasized the need for the national assembly and political parties to reclaim their roles as checks and balances within the democratic system. He urged opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to step up and provide the necessary leadership to reform Nigeria’s democracy. He called for a united front among these leaders to create a functional political party capable of rescuing the country from its current trajectory.
The protests, which lasted for ten days, ended on August 10, but the organizers have threatened to resume demonstrations in October if significant economic changes are not implemented. Lukman’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing discourse around the effectiveness of Nigeria’s leadership and the potential for more drastic political action if the demands of the people continue to be ignored.
