By George Ozalla
The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has thrown its weight behind the House of Representatives Minority Caucus over its call on President Bola Tinubu to either demonstrate effective leadership in addressing the nation’s challenges or resign from office.
The opposition coalition, in a statement signed by its Acting National Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh, said it fully endorsed the position of the Minority Caucus and believes the current administration must urgently rise to the expectations of Nigerians by tackling worsening insecurity, economic hardship and other pressing national concerns.
According to the statement, governance is fundamentally about improving the lives of citizens, and leaders who fail to deliver on that responsibility should be prepared to take responsibility for their shortcomings.
CUPP stressed that in any society where accountability remains a guiding principle of public service, elected officials who are unable to produce results that positively impact the lives of the people should honourably step aside.
The coalition maintained that President Tinubu and members of his administration must immediately intensify efforts to address the challenges confronting the country, particularly the rising cost of living, insecurity in several parts of the nation and the declining welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
It further stated that leadership should not be seen as an entitlement but as a responsibility entrusted to public officials by the people, adding that such responsibility must be exercised in a manner that produces measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
The statement noted that where those expectations are not being met, leaders must be willing to accept responsibility and take decisions that place the interests of the nation above personal or political considerations.
CUPP urged the President to heed the concerns being raised by opposition voices and many Nigerians who continue to express dissatisfaction with prevailing economic and social conditions.
The coalition also called for immediate and visible actions capable of easing the suffering of citizens and restoring public confidence in government institutions.
Chief Ameh reiterated the commitment of CUPP to the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability and the protection of the welfare of Nigerians, stressing that the coalition would continue to speak out on issues affecting the country regardless of political considerations.
He added that CUPP would closely monitor developments and continue to advocate policies and actions that advance the interests of the Nigerian people while holding public office holders accountable for their stewardship.
The House of Representatives Minority Caucus had earlier called on President Tinubu to demonstrate stronger leadership in addressing the country’s mounting challenges or consider stepping down, a position that has now received the backing of the opposition coalition.
