‘Calls for protests are premature, counterproductive’

A chartered accountant and philanthropist in Kwara State, Ambassador Ibrahim Tajudeen Shola, has described calls for protests against current hardship as premature and counterproductive.

In a statement by the chartered accountant in Ilorin on Sunday, titled: “Hunger Protests: Why It May Still Not Take the Pangs Away,” he said that protests often yield immediate visibility but may not lead to long-term solutions.

“Nigeria’s path to economic recovery and stability requires a strategic approach that includes supporting ongoing reforms, fostering dialogue, and encouraging investment in infrastructure and human capital,” he said.

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Ibrahim said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration, since assuming power, has undertaken a series of ambitious economic reforms designed to tackle Nigeria’s long-standing challenges, including rampant unemployment and economic instability.

“These initiatives, though met with some immediate hurdles, aim to stabilise our economy and create sustainable job opportunities for millions of Nigerians. The scope of these reforms, ranging from regulatory changes to investment in infrastructure, requires time to manifest tangible results.

“Yet, rather than supporting these crucial reforms, recent calls for protests risk undermining the very foundation upon which this economic recovery is being built,” he said.

The financial guru, who said that Nigeria should not emulate Kenya’s recent approach to protesting against government policies, added that the Kenya protests led to significant disruptions, including damage to infrastructure and economic activities.

“Nigeria, already grappling with economic challenges, could face severe consequences if protests lead to similar disruptions, exacerbating the existing economic strain.

“Protests that involve storming government buildings and setting them on fire can heightened political tensions and lead to violent confrontations. Nigeria’s diverse and complex socio-political landscape may not withstand such escalations without risking broader instability,” he said.

Ibrahim, who urged Nigerians to pursue alternative avenues for change, said that the country has avenues for constructive engagement that could lead to more effective solutions.

“Engaging in dialogue with policymakers, participating in public consultations, and using democratic processes to address grievances are more productive ways to influence policy without causing widespread disruption.

“The Nigerian government is implementing various reforms, including student loan programs, agricultural investments, and economic policies aimed at improving the economy. Supporting these reforms and offering constructive feedback can drive positive change more effectively than disruptive protests,” he added.