Protesters take over Unity Fountain, allege plans to hijack protest

Less than 24 hours into the scheduled August 1 mass action against hunger and bad governance, community and faith-based leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have occupied Nigeria’s Unity Fountain in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja to alert authorities on plans by unknown groups to hijack the exercise.

The protesters numbering over 200 were holding placards with inscriptions: ‘Say yes to dialogue’, ‘No to violence, yes to peace, growth and development’, ‘Support Tinubu to build Nigeria’, ‘Nigeria will be great again’, ‘Women stand with Tinubu’ among others.Alleging plans by unknown groups to hijack the protests and cause violence, they called on the protest organizers to embrace dialogue in the interest of the country.

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Addressing newsmen, Nigeria Interfaith Forum (NIF) Chairman, Bishop Benjamin Abba Odeh, who acknowledged protest as a democratic right of citizens, stressed the need to consider the potential risks to the country’s peace and stability if the protest is hijacked.

He said: “In light of the proposed protest, it is essential to consider the potential risks to our nation’s peace and stability.

“While peaceful protest is a democratic right, there is a danger that such actions could be hijacked by elements seeking to sow discord and violence.

This could undermine the progress we have made and threaten the unity of our diverse communities.

“Odeh called on all Christians, Muslims, traditional worshippers and other faith-based organizations to prioritize dialogue and peaceful engagement with the government.

According to him: “By working together, we can address our concerns in a manner that upholds our shared values of peace and unity.

Let us continue to build on the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, fostering a society where every Nigerian can thrive in an atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect.

“Noting that the current administration has made remarkable strides in promoting economic growth and social development, he highlighted the achievements to include the implementation of the National Housing Programme, which has provided affordable housing to thousands of Nigerians.

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He stated that the initiative has not only improved living conditions but also stimulated the construction industry, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

Also speaking, President of the Coalition for Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs) in Nigeria, Obiora James, who urged Nigerians to consider alternative means of dialogue and engagement with the government, noted that dialogue can address the concerns while safeguarding the stability and progress of the country.

“Let us channel our energy towards constructive dialogue, fostering an environment of peace and development for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“Speaking in the same vein, President of Women Supporting Women for Good Governance (WSWGG), Margret Thomas, begged Nigerians to explore alternative avenues for expressing their concerns and advocating for change.

Adding that constructive dialogue with the government can yield more sustainable solutions and ensure that the country’s progress remains uninterrupted.