To His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,
Warmest congratulations on your inauguration. It is worthwhile to take privilege of your inspiring interest and dedication to global migration and human rights to request Your Holiness to discuss vital issues with Nigerian President; His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu before he leaves Rome and return to Nigeria. This will be one of the most gracious leadership intervention that you can render to assist the current generation of Nigerian masses.
NIGERIA’S CHALLENGES
We bring to your attention the pressing issues facing our nation:
1. North-Central: Herder-farmer conflicts, banditry, and poverty.
2. North-East: Boko Haram insurgency, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
3. North-West: Banditry, kidnapping, and economic stagnation.
4. South-South: Environmental degradation, economic marginalization.
5. South-East: Infrastructure deficits, economic challenges, separatist agitations.
6. South-West: Economic difficulties, infrastructure needs, security concerns.
KEY REQUESTS
We humbly request that during President Tinubu’s visit, you discuss:
1. Emancipation of the Masses: Economic empowerment and social justice.
2. Security Concerns: Addressing insecurity, terrorism, and banditry.
3. High Cost of Living: Alleviating economic hardship.
4. Democratic Advancement: Nurturing democracy and respecting human rights.
5. Tolerance of Political Opposition: Fostering dialogue and inclusivity.
SPECIFIC CONCERNS
We urge you to encourage President Tinubu to:
1. Restore full democratic system in Rivers State : Ensure reversal of the State of Emergency that was declared in order to enable democratic institutions to work effectively.
2. Address recurring killings in Plateau State: Take decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.
3. Intervene in judicial misinterpretation in Osun State: Ensure fair and unbiased interpretation of recent judgement governing local government administration. The political intonnation regarding complexity of the issue has grounded activities in the local government level as well as becoming an embarrassment to Nigeria democratic system.
CONCLUSION
Your guidance, Pope Leo XIV, can positively impact Nigeria’s future. We hope your discussion with President Tinubu yields fruitful outcomes, grounded in genuine leadership tenets and fear of God.
PRINCE JIDE AKINYOOYE,
(Coordinator; Dee Osun Monitors).
