Youth protest against corrupt public officials enters day 2

The main entrance of the National Assembly on Wednesday remained shut as youth protest against corrupt politicians enters day two.

This has affected movement of vehicles through the main gate as lawmakers and staff can only access the complex through alternative routes.

The protest, led by a socialite and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, is seeking a downward review of salaries and benefits of politicians in the country by about 70 per cent.

The protesters are also clamouring for the sentencing to death of public officials found guilty of stealing public funds.

They are also seeking a cessation of state and local government joint accounts.

One of the protesters, Miss Joy Amadi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the protest is a welcome development.

Amadi said the need for accountability in governance prompted her to join the protest.

“Occupy NASS is a protest against corruption, political criminality, and a long period of bad leadership.

“However, just as the current government stands out to fight corruption, we also want to join hands to make Nigeria a corrupt-free nation,’’ she said.

According to her, politicians have for a long time continued to extort from Nigerians through fat salaries and frivolous allowances.

Another protester, Mr Ignatius Adeleke, stated that the campaigners are committed to the protest until the leadership of the National Assembly considers their demands.

“We will not leave this place until our demands are met; we have suffered for too long while our politicians are living in affluence.

“We will not take it anymore; there has to be a change in our attitude,’’ Adeleke said.

Similarly, a staffer of the National Assembly, who prefers to remain anonymous, commended the conveners of the protest and urged more Nigerians to join the campaign.

“I wish the conveners well and I am hopeful that we will have more Nigerians, who will walk the talk and not just grumble on the streets,’’ he said.