Since the announcement of the removal of the subsidy on the price of petrol, Nigerians and their government have been forced to engage in an unprecedented, open and passionate conversation about the nation, its structure, governance and the social contract between the leaders and the led. There is no doubt that huge mistakes have been made in the roll out of a very sensitive government policy which has resulted in the exceptional reaction from the Nigerian people.

The Nigerian Music Industry Coalition believes that this very expensive but long needed conversation will not end up as a monumental waste if it becomes a launch pad for the transformational changes which President Jonathan loudly spoke about during his election campaign. The clear position taken by the Nigerian people should free the President from any political debt he may believe he owes anyone or group. The good of the masses of Nigerians should be the only consideration of the President from here on if he is to leave a positive footprint in the sands of time. It can no longer be business as usual.

President Jonathan received very wide support of the Nigerian Music Industry during his campaign. That support was effective because of the close affinity of the stars of the music industry with the masses of the Nigerian people. This past week, all around the country, stars of the music industry have played leading roles in the mass protest against the direction of the nation. The Nigerian Music Industry Coalition is proud of the leading role of our artistes because it is an important role of artistes around the world to be the voice of the people.

The Nigerian Music Industry Coalition wishes to appeal to President Jonathan not to agree with anyone who suggests to him that it is weakness to change direction in deference to the clear position of the overwhelming majority of those who elected him. We urge him to understand that the discussion at this point is no longer about naira and kobo or the superiority of one economic proposal against the other. It goes deep to the relationship between the rulers and the ruled. It is important that the President restores the trust between the government and the governed.

We believe that it is not too late for all Nigerians - the government, organized labour and civil society groups included, to do whatever is necessary to save our country from a descent into anarchy. This may be a very challenging time for President Goodluck Jonathan but it is at times like this that great leaders show their mettle. We believe that it is not too late for President Jonathan to show his mettle and reclaim the full support of the Nigerian people. He can count on our support in that regard.

FOR THE NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY COALITION:

Chief Tony Okoroji

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