By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AN Arewa group called Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development, RAID, Wednesday, declared that a planned national protest was not the solution to Nigeria’s lingering problems.

The President, RAID, Balarabe Rufai, stated this as their stand on the protest and disassociated from the move, and pointed out that protest of this nature is always hijacked and negatively impacts on the citizenry that leads to chaos and anarchy.

However, Rufai did not hesitate to point out that Nigeria’s current situation demands for action as Nigerians are going down with hunger, hardship, insecurity, and diseases while nothing or less is done to ameliorate their plight as many Nigerians cannot breathe.

He said: “Also, the Federal Government must put back into active use all the refineries before the end of 2024 with a view to bringing down fuel pump prices while urgent attention must be shifted to the Kolmari in Gombe/Bauchi and Doma in Nasarawa for speedy completion, extraction and commencement of total refining of the product to boost domestic production.

“Holistically tackle the energy crisis and boost the economy, the government should prioritise the immediate commencement of the MAMBILA power project and ensure the reliability and strict supervision to avoid reoccurrence.

“River Niger and Benue dredging has been a dream and dear project to not only the Northern region but the entire country. Dredging River Niger would ease water transportation and boost marine economy. Government should put back the project in its works budget and ensure the commencement by the first quarter of 2025.

“Government should inject more funds into the Agricultural sector thereby rejuvenating and prioritizing the sector for National food security and investment.

“Revitalization of Agro Allied industries and subsidizing Agricultural needs of farmers and ease of access to macro/micro credit facilities would go a long way.”

He however highlighted solutions to the lingering challenges which include: holistic approach in tackling insecurity issue in the country by formation of multi-dimensional /sectional committee that can sing regularly on insecurity issues (Traditional institution, CSO’s and leaders of groups) and deployment of new and technological ideas and innovation in the fight against insurgency in the North.