APC chieftain urges protesters to embrace dialogue, discontinue protest

CISLAC commends Tinubu’s call for dialogue, commitment to address citizens’ concerns

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged the organisers of the protest to embrace dialogue and listen to President Bola Tinubu by ending the nationwide demonstration.

He said that since the President had acknowledged that he had heard their grievances, they should embrace dialogue as suggested so as not to hinder socio-economic activities and development of the country.

Oyintiloye, representing Obokun Constituency in Osun State House of Assembly, who spoke with journalists in Osogbo, said that the wanton destruction of property, looting, and killing of innocent Nigerians could not be justified in the name of a protest.

The lawmaker, while noting that there was no doubt that there is hunger in the country, maintained that violence against the government and the people was not the best way to address the situation.

He said that shutting down a fragile economy like Nigeria for 10 days would be counter-productive, as it may result in more suffering for the masses, adding that the destruction of the Federal Government’s multi-million naira digital innovation park in Kano, among others, was disheartening.

MEANWHILE, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has commended the President for his appeal to protesters and organisers to suspend further protests and embrace dialogue.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation acknowledged Tinubu’s recognition of the grievances driving the protests and his commitment to listening to and addressing Nigerian citizens’ concerns.

Rafsanjani stressed that Tinubu had emphasised the need for unity and collective efforts in reshaping the nation’s future, as well as calling on all Nigerians, irrespective of age, political affiliation, tribe, or religion, to work together for a better Nigeria.

He appreciated the President’s unequivocal stance against ethnic division and threats, underscoring their incompatibility with Nigeria’s aspirations.

CISLAC, which emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, law, and order while upholding human rights in line with international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory, noted that the safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount.

It further called on Nigeria’s security operatives to heed the President’s call for respect for human rights, as well as ensuring that peace, law, and order are maintained under these principles.

He, therefore, urged the President to also give clear directives to the security agencies not to engage in human rights violations.