Plateau Government receives tabled demands from youths amid hunger protests

A coalition of youths in Plateau presented its charter of demands to the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang in Jos on Saturday for onward transmission to President Bola Tinubu.

Plateau residents, largely youths, marched on major streets of Jos as part of the ongoing nationwide protests.

The protests were later hijacked by some hoodlums, who began to loot and destroy public and private property.

The situation forced the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew on Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

Presenting the charter on behalf of the youths, their representative, Sam Ode, said that the demands required the  input of both the state government and the federal government.

”For the state government, we demand an immediate cut in the cost of governance. We also demand an explanation of how the various palliatives and funding from the federal government are being expended.

”We also call on the state government to implement the minimum wage recently signed into law by the president and reduce the school fees of tertiary institutions.

”For the federal government, we call on the president to end corruption, reverse the pump price of fuel to N300, and also reverse the hike in the electricity tariff,” Mr Ode said.

He also urged the federal government to cut the cost of governance, reopen all national borders, and embark  on judicial reforms.

”I want our leaders to know that these demands are the will of the people towards a pathway for sustainable development. We are not rebelling against the government,” he said.

Responding, Mr Mutfwang, who thanked the protesters for being peaceful throughout the protests, promised to transmit the demands to the president.

The governor promised to enable the active participation of youths in his government, adding that the government would be open to legitimate criticism.

He said that he would  be transparent and accountable  in distributing the palliatives from the federal government to the Plateau people.

”We are doing a lot to boost agriculture, health care services, tourism, education, public transportation, sports and ease of doing business to improve the local economy.

”In some areas, we will need the support of the private sector to end poverty and hunger and actualise the Plateau of our dreams.

”I will transmit your demands to the president by next week, but all I ask of you is to be patient and support us to succeed.

”We will continue to provide quality leadership to the people, and I thank you for conducting yourselves  peacefully throughout the protests, ” Mr Mutfwang said.

(NAN)