The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon in Oyo State, Oba Francis Alao, has expressed reservations over President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech on the #EndSARS tragedy saying the president’s broadcast fell short of citizens’ expectations.
Oba Alao, who explained that he arrived at the position following the series of consultations held with leaders of thoughts in the land, lamented that the president failed to address the issues at stake.
The monarch noted that the president was silent on the pains and yearnings of the youth who rose against corruption, nepotism, bad governance, egocentric government officials and violation of human rights.
He expressed regret that the intelligence of Nigerians had been taken for granted, asking,
“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 continued 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 urged the government to keep population data to capture all Nigerians of all ages and sex without which, he said, they would not be able to conduct credible polls.
“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.
He said, “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 orders to the soldiers to come out against innocent peaceful protesters. Well, I pray to God almighty to intervene in our situation.”
