After 11 Years In Power, APC Must Account For Its Record, Says South-South Group

The South-South Grassroots Mobilisation Movement (SSGMM) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to take full responsibility for their governance record, insisting that Nigerians deserve measurable improvements in their living conditions rather than continued explanations about the failures of previous administrations.

The movement said the APC, having governed Nigeria since May 2015, must provide clear answers on its achievements, unresolved challenges and the effectiveness of its policies in addressing the country's economic, security and social problems.

In a press statement issued through its Office of the Secretary, Abieyuwa Festus Odogbo, SSGMM expressed concern over what it described as the tendency of the ruling party to attribute persistent national challenges to previous administrations instead of demonstrating sufficient, measurable progress under its own leadership.

The group acknowledged that Nigeria's difficulties did not begin with the current administration and that previous governments made decisions that contributed to the country's economic and institutional challenges.

However, it maintained that the APC could no longer rely indefinitely on the failures of its predecessors to explain the difficulties confronting Nigerians.

According to the movement, the APC assumed power in 2015 under former President Muhammadu Buhari before President Tinubu took office in May 2023, giving the party more than 11 years of federal governance.

SSGMM argued that this period was sufficient for Nigerians to demand a comprehensive assessment of the party's performance, including its achievements, policy shortcomings and plans for addressing outstanding challenges.

The organisation stressed that political leadership must be measured by results, accountability and the impact of government policies on the lives of ordinary citizens.

Nigerians Deserve Economic Relief, Group Insists

The movement identified the rising cost of living, unemployment, declining purchasing power, insecurity and high operating costs for businesses as major concerns requiring urgent government attention.

It noted that many households continued to struggle with the affordability of food and other essential commodities, while businesses faced economic uncertainty and young Nigerians searched for meaningful employment opportunities.

SSGMM maintained that Nigerians deserved clear explanations of how the Federal Government's policies were translating into improved living standards and greater economic opportunities.

It argued that economic reforms should not be assessed solely through official announcements, financial statistics or government explanations but also by their practical effects on households, workers, traders, farmers and business owners.

According to the group, the success of economic policies should be reflected in improved purchasing power, affordable essential goods, increased productive investment, job creation and a reduction in poverty.

While acknowledging that economic reforms could involve difficult decisions, the movement insisted that the government must recognise the hardship experienced by citizens and explain the corrective measures being implemented to reduce its impact.

It added that Nigerians should not be expected to endure prolonged economic difficulties without credible evidence of progress and practical measures to protect vulnerable members of society.

SSGMM Demands Action on Security, Electricity, Jobs

Beyond economic concerns, the organisation called on the Tinubu administration to intensify efforts to improve national security, strengthen public institutions and protect lives and property across the country.

It also identified reliable electricity, transportation infrastructure, agricultural development, local manufacturing, public healthcare and education as critical areas requiring sustained government investment and effective implementation.

The movement urged the Federal Government to establish clear development targets, set measurable timelines and publish regular reports showing the progress made in delivering its promises.

It said Nigerians needed to know not only what the government intended to achieve but also what had been accomplished, what remained outstanding and what steps were being taken to address implementation failures.

SSGMM further called for policies that would support small and medium-sized businesses, encourage young entrepreneurs, stimulate productive investment and create an environment in which local industries could grow.

The organisation maintained that sustainable national development required more than political promises, stressing the importance of competent administration, effective planning and consistent monitoring of government programmes.

Group Emphasises Rule of Law and Accountability

The movement also called on the Federal Government to uphold the rule of law, respect constitutional provisions and protect the independence of public institutions.

It maintained that no individual, political party, government official or public institution should be above the law.

According to SSGMM, allegations of wrongdoing should be investigated fairly, due process must be respected, and public institutions should be protected from improper political interference.

The group further stressed that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and legitimate criticism of government were essential elements of democracy.

It warned against treating citizens who demand accountability as enemies of the state, arguing that constructive criticism and peaceful civic participation should be encouraged rather than discouraged.

The movement said governments must demonstrate respect for the rights of citizens while discharging their constitutional responsibilities.

SSGMM Lists Demands for Tinubu Administration

As part of its demands, the movement called on President Tinubu and the APC-led Federal Government to accept responsibility for their decisions and performance while presenting practical solutions to the country's challenges.

It urged the administration to publish measurable targets and clear timelines for economic recovery, job creation, infrastructure development and improved public service delivery.

The group also demanded effective policies to address the cost-of-living crisis, improve food affordability, strengthen household welfare and protect the purchasing power of Nigerians.

On security, it called for stronger accountability within security institutions and more effective protection of communities against violence and criminality.

The movement further advocated policies to promote agriculture, local manufacturing, small businesses and youth entrepreneurship, alongside greater transparency in public spending and regular reporting on government performance.

It urged the administration to communicate honestly with Nigerians about the country's challenges, the costs of its policies and the progress being made towards resolving outstanding problems.

'Nigeria Is Bigger Than Any Political Party'

Reaffirming its position, SSGMM declared that the welfare of Nigerians must take precedence over the political interests and reputation of any administration.

The movement said the APC should be prepared to answer difficult questions about its record, explain which policies had delivered the expected results and identify areas where its performance had fallen short of public expectations.

It called on the ruling party to move beyond political defensiveness and concentrate on the responsibilities of governance.

The organisation expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as governance that failed to provide convincing answers to citizens' concerns, insisting that public office should be regarded as a responsibility to the people rather than a privilege for political elites.

It maintained that Nigeria needed effective policies, competent administration, improved security, economic opportunities, accountable institutions and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

The group concluded that the country could not afford another cycle of promises without measurable results, urging the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians through practical action.

It reiterated its commitment to good governance, democratic accountability, national development and peaceful civic engagement, stressing that citizens must continue to demand responsible leadership from those entrusted with public office.

The statement was issued by Abieyuwa Festus Odogbo through the Office of the Secretary of the South-South Grassroots Mobilisation Movement (SSGMM).

For Further Enquiries:

Organisation: South-South Grassroots Mobilisation Movement (SSGMM)

Contact Person: Abieyuwa Festus Odogbo, Secretary

Telephone: 09043187477

Email: southsouthgrassrootsmobilisati@gmail.com