says partnerships with religious and house leaders will reduce corruption in the programmes

Comrade Deji Adeyanju, the Convener of Concerned Nigerians and prominent human rights activist, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the suspension of the national social investment programmes in light of the prevalent hunger, hardships, and food insecurity plaguing the nation.

Adeyanju, in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, said that recent protests in cities such as Niger, Kano, and Kogi have underscored the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for decisive action to be taken by the president.

Recall that President Tinubu suspended all programmes administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) over alleged financial malfeasance by Halima Shehu, the chief executive officer (CEO) of NSIPA.

All four (4) suspended programmes administered by NSIPA are the N-Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and the Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

“While we acknowledge that the suspension of all administered programmes by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) was initiated as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged financial malfeasance by Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NSIPA, we urge President Tinubu to recognise the dire consequences of the continued suspension on the lives of ordinary citizens.”

Adeyanju further empathised that President Tinubu’s concerns regarding operational lapses and improprieties surrounding payments to programme beneficiaries are valid. However, the human rights activist proposes that the President explore alternative avenues for the management of these programs, such as involving religious bodies, including churches, mosques, and traditional rulers. By doing so, the government can mitigate the risk of political interference and ensure that funds are utilised transparently and efficiently, reaching the intended beneficiaries.

“It is imperative to recognise that Nigeria is currently sitting on a time bomb of hardships, banditry, insecurity, and kidnapping. The cumulative effect of these challenges has pushed our nation to the brink. If urgent measures are not taken to cushion the effects of this hardship, we fear that mass protests may erupt across the country, potentially leading to a serious revolution.”

“We must acknowledge that there is a limit to what people can endure. If President Tinubu genuinely cares about the well-being of the citizens and seeks to alleviate their suffering, it is important that he reinstates the suspended programmes that can provide much-needed support to ordinary citizens and the vulnerable.

Adeyanju implores the President to prioritise transparency in the disbursement of funds through these programmes, stating that by adopting more accountable and transparent practices, the government can ensure that the allocated funds reach the intended beneficiaries promptly, that this will not only restore faith in the government’s commitment to the welfare of the people but also alleviate the mounting hardships faced by countless Nigerians.

In conclusion, Adeyanju appeals to President Tinubu’s sense of duty and compassion for the suffering masses, urging him to reconsider the suspension of the national social investment programmes and take immediate steps to reinstate them.