The Arewa Movement for Good Governance (AM2G), led by Dr Usman Bugaje, has raised concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as being in crisis. Bugaje, a former member of the House of Representatives, expressed disappointment in the current democratic system, stating that it has failed to deliver the expected development to the people.
Speaking at a news briefing in Kaduna, Bugaje highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, particularly its inability to provide hope for the youth. He noted that many young people are unable to attend school, and those who manage to do so struggle to find employment, painting a grim picture of the current state of affairs.
Bugaje criticized the National Assembly, stating that it is part of the problem, rather than the solution. He highlighted issues such as budget padding and looting, which he claimed have been ongoing for years. Bugaje pointed out that the scale of corruption has increased over time, with billions and now trillions of naira being siphoned from the public treasury.
He also expressed disappointment in the Northern Senators’ Forum for failing to support Senator Abdul Ningi, who was suspended over allegations of budget padding. Bugaje criticized the forum for not standing by Ningi and Kawu Samaila, the forum’s secretary, calling them out for their lack of solidarity.
Bugaje emphasized the urgent need to restore citizens’ confidence in democracy, warning that failure to do so could lead to a loss of faith in the democratic process. He called for a concerted effort to address the underlying issues that have plagued Nigeria’s democracy, including corruption, poverty, and unemployment, in order to build a more prosperous and equitable society.
Daily Trust