EndSARS: Governors have abandoned their states to live in Abuja –Senator Fadahunsi

EndSARS protest as an expression of accumulated frustration by the agitated youth of Nigeria who have been holding the short end of the stick for almost 21 years of democracy and several years of misrule, albeit since 1966.

According to him, “ Since 1966, Nigeria has never had it well. From one military regime to another, from the military to civil rule, then to another military rule, finally to this democracy. This country has never had it good in terms of governance and service delivery to the people. The only time I can say we had real civilian government was under President Shehu Shagari. Then, we had the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s civilian-cum-military government. Although Obasanjo really tried, Nigeria is still in the woods.”

Senator Fadahunsi also said the protests and raid of secret warehouses stocked with palliatives, have forced so many governors to relocate temporarily to Abuja.

“ Not just the so-called progressive states. It’s almost all over. Virtually all the governors live in Abuja as if it’s their constituency. Rather than sit down in their states and think creatively and execute programmes that will alleviate the sufferings of their people, they come to queue in Abuja, leaving their people to their fate. That is what led us to where we are. That is why the youths are saying enough is enough.” he told  The Sun in an interview

He said “ Many of the agitators are growing old. Age is not on the side of many of them. That’s why when they started this agitation on a right note, we all supported them We all said they had a good cause.”

The former Customs officer also said there was gross abuse being perpetrated by the department’s officers

“They (Department of Customs and Excise) have been abusing Nigerians too. They have been taking the laws into their hands. Their own problem is worse than SARS. The borders are closed against our neighbours, preventing free flow of trade between the youths of other countries and the hard-working youths of Nigeria. The Nigeria Customs Service, the Immigration Department are supposed to facilitate international trade between Nigeria and other countries. But they closed the (land) borders for almost a year now. Customs brutality under Col. Hameed Ali (incumbent Comptroller General of Customs) is worse than police brutality. It is deadlier than police brutality.”