YPP criticises Tinubu over old National Anthem law, says it’s misplaced priority

...Urges NASS to focus on legislation on issues of national importance
…..Proposes eight bills for NASS considerations

By Chris Ochayi

ABUJA: The Young Progressives Party, YPP, has said the bill signed into law by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, reverting to the old National Anthem was at variance with the pressing economic issues affecting the majority of the population.

The YPP, also berated the National Assembly for passage of the bill at a time when the country and its citizens are gasping for breath in the face of daunting economic and security challenges confronting the country.

The party, which tied the action of the lawmakers to idleness, myopic and
insensitive to the plight of suffering Nigerians, however, proposed eight bills for the consideration of the National Assembly.

Speaking via a statement issued on Wednesday by Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, its National Publicity Secretary in Abuja , the YPP challenged President Tinubu led administration to draw lessons from the failures of the psst governments.

The statement reads, “On the occasion of this year’s democracy day celebration, which simultaneously marks the first year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in office, we wish to call for sober reflection, empathy, sincerity and focus on the part of our leaders while saluting the resilience, patience, strength and optimism of Nigerians.

“It is obvious that the government is yet to learn any lessons from the failures of the past as it continues to major on the minor.

“A vivid example is the National anthem bill just signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is a misplaced priority considering the numerous challenges affecting Nigerians.

“While changing the national anthem may hold symbolic significance, it doesn’t address the pressing economic issues affecting the majority of the population.

“It’s crucial to prioritize initiatives that drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve access to basic necessities like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

“Changing the national anthem won’t put food on the table, provide shelter, or improve the overall wellbeing of impoverished citizens. Our leaders should learn to prioritize actions that drive meaningful change and promote economic progress for all citizens.

“Since the over-pampered members of the National Assembly have proved to Nigerians through their actions time and again that they are idle, insensitive and myopic, we are therefore compelled to advise them to stop wasting taxpayers’ money and focus on legislation that addresses pressing issues affecting the daily lives of Nigerians and if by chance they are bereft of ideas on bills desperately begging for their attention.

“We hereby propose the following bills for their consideration: “Healthcare Access and Infrastructure Bill (i.e. establishment of healthcare centres in the 774 LGAs)

“Corruption and Accountability Bill (i.e. life sentence penalty for all acts of corruption)

“Education Reform and Inclusivity Bill (i.e. review the current curriculum and drastic reduction in the number of out-of-school children)

” Economic Development and Local Industry Support Bill (i.e. make it mandatory for all government officials to patronise only made in Nigeria goods including official vehicles)

“Electoral Transparency and Integrity Bill (i.e. compulsory electronic transmission of election results from polling units)

“State Police and Security Reform Bill (i.e. States and LGAs should be in charge of their security)

“Transparency and Accountability in key Institutions Bill (i.e. transparency in revenue generating agencies like NNPC, FIRS, NIMASA, NPA & Customs to mention a few)

“Power Rotation Bill (PRB) (i.e. 6 years single tenure rotational presidency among the six-geopolitical zones to promote Inclusivity.”

The party noted that the above bills have the potential to positively impact the socioeconomic growth of Nigeria and improving the welfare of citizens.

“It’s essential to prioritize legislation that addresses the country’s pressing challenges, rather than symbolic changes with propensity to create little or no impact”, the YPP said.