Voices against planned nationwide protest keep pulsating
• Recent Experiences Show That It Can Be Hijacked By Miscreants, Says CAN
• It Can Be Manipulated, Exploited For Political Gains — Third Republic Lawmakers
• TSG Urges Patience, Says Tinubu’s Policies Will Yield Results
• Don’t Participate, Group Appeals To Enugu Youths
• Arewa Group Backs CDS’ Call For Peace
• FCT Police Deploys 4,200 Policemen, Assures Of Public Safety
Ahead of the planned 10-day nationwide protest slated to commence on August 1, 2024, against the policies of the Federal Government that have resulted in widespread hardship in the nation, more stakeholders on Friday called on the organisers to shelve the exercise and be patient with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to usher in an era of sustainable growth and development in the country.
Among the groups and individuals that made the appeal was the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which noted that the right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of democracy and must be protected and respected by all; but also warned that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.
President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who made the call in Abuja, said: “CAN stands in solidarity with the citizens of our great nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger. We recognise and deeply empathise with the pain, anger and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing. The cries of the people underscore the severe difficulties faced daily as families struggle to afford basic necessities and sustain their livelihoods.
“As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.
“We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.” Okoh urged Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances and to give the government more time to address their pressing concerns.
“This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties. Dialogue, petitions and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.”
The CAN president called on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land.
“The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people. Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families. Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.
“We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face. The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people,” he added.
A northern group, the Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF) has also thrown its weight behind the call for peace across the country by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa Gwabin.
The group, in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Friday by its Director of Youth Mobilisation, Aminu Ibrahim Kolo; Director of Women Affairs, Hajiya Hafsat Rigachikun; Director Logistics, Sylvester Maybe Gora and Assistant Public Relations Officer (PRO) Enenche Moses, said the peace call by the CDS against the backdrop of the planned protest was apt and should be widely supported by patriots.
ACCF stated that they share the same concern with General Gwabin on the potential consequences of the protest, stressing that it could lead to trouble and cause unrest in the country.
The statement read in part: “General Gwabin’s wise words of caution and call for collective efforts to support a system that works resonate deeply with our organisation’s values and mission.
“We share General Gwabin’s concern about the potential consequences of protest, which could lead to trouble and crisis. Instead, we advocate for peaceful and constructive engagement to address the country’s challenges. We believe that Nigerians should work together to find solutions, rather than resorting to protest, which can be manipulated by external forces and political opponents seeking to undermine the nation’s progress.
“We applaud General Gwabin’s appeal to Nigerian youths to reject the narrative of protest and his emphasis on the need for collective effort to support a system that works. We also share his concern about the manipulation of innocent youths by those who seek to exploit them for their own interests.
“We urge all Nigerians to heed General Gwabin’s wise words and give peace a chance. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our nation, rather than resorting to destructive and counterproductive protests. The ACCF stands solidly behind General Gwabin and his call for peace and collective effort.”
Similarly, the Third Republic House of Representatives Forum, has noted that the dangers associated with the looming protests could drag the country back to the dark days of military rule.
Addressing a press conference at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the leader of the group, Basil Okafor, recalled how a series of protests against the annulment of the outcome of the June 12, 1993, presidential poll truncated their tenure.
Okafor, who insisted that the Tinubu administration has put in place measures to address the multifaceted challenges besetting the country, noted that protest remains an ill wind that blows nobody any good.
Calling on those planning the nationwide protest to retrace their steps, the forum urged Nigerians to engage in open, constructive dialogue. Okafor added: “Firstly, it is important to recognise that a tense society is often characterised by polarised opinions, conflicting ideologies and deep-seated emotions. In such an environment, protests can easily become breeding grounds for violence and unrest.
“The frustration, anger and resentment that lie beneath the surface can erupt into chaos, undermining the very purpose of the protest and causing harm to individuals and property.
“Secondly, the ills of protest in a tense society lie in the potential for manipulation and exploitation by various stakeholders. In times of tension and strife, extremist groups or political factions may exploit protests to further their own agenda.
“They may infiltrate peaceful demonstrations, incite violence and spread misinformation, leading to a distortion of the original purpose of the protest and the dilution of its message.
“Furthermore, protests conducted in a tense society often result in a breakdown of communication and dialogue. Instead of fostering understanding and empathy, they deepen divisions and create an ‘us versus them’ mentality.
“People from opposing sides become entrenched in their positions, refusing to listen or engage in meaningful conversation. The very essence of a protest – the desire for change and progress – becomes overshadowed by animosity and hostility.
“Lastly, another consequence of protests in a tense society is the negative impact on the economy and daily life. Protests that disrupt public transportation, block major roads or damage infrastructure can have severe repercussions on businesses and individuals trying to go about their daily lives.
“The uncertainty and instability caused by protests can deter investment, hamper economic growth, and create long-term damage to the communities affected.”
Also, the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), Ebitimi Amgbare, has appealed to those planning the nationwide protest to be patient with the government.
Amgbare, who is MD/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, said that President Tinubu’s laudable economic policies would soon yield bountiful results and turn Nigeria better than it is now.
Amgbare in a statement in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, noted that President Tinubu has not rested on his oars since he assumed office and has been trying his best to tackle most of the challenges bedeviling the nation headlong.
He noted that being a grassroots man, the President knows where it pinches, adding that he has assured Nigerians of his determination to tackle these challenges, most of which were there even before he took over as president.
“Good things are not always easy to come by. The economic policies the President has put in place will change the current seeming hardship in Nigeria into sustainable growth and development.
“Those planning the protest should be patient. Mr. President has passionate determination to change Nigeria’s fortunes for good, and has marshalled out various economic policies that will soon turn around the country. He needs our support not protest to make things work. To protest is a distraction,” Amgbare added.
On its part, Enugu youths under the auspices of Enugu Innovative Youth (EIY) have advised youths in Enugu State against engaging in the planned nationwide protest.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting on Friday read by its spokesperson, Jude Chikamso, the group noted that while the proposed nationwide hunger protest on August 1, 2024 is justifiable owing to the current state of affairs of the country, youths in Enugu must rethink and retreat to ensure that the peace and calmness in the state is sustained.
“We are not oblivious of the possibility of the proposed nationwide hunger protest being hijacked by perpetrators of evils and hoodlums. We do not want to lose the lives of our dear youths in such a protest,” he said.
Chikamso, who was flanked by the Chairman, Contact and Mobilisation, Edeani M. Edeani, further noted that protest “is rather very premature in Enugu State under our dear governor, Peter Mbah, which is currently experiencing the breath of fresh air in all sectors.”
He stressed that Enugu youths must resist any attempt to destroy or deface the aesthetics, beauty and ambience in the state. While calling for calmness among youths in the state, the group also called on the federal and state government to engage youths in a dialogue on the best way to tackle the harsh economic realities, close the gap in unemployment ratio and poverty headcount index ratio.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has deployed no fewer than 4,200 policemen in anticipation of the protest. The command said the deployment was proactively done to ensure public safety.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Josephine Adeh, said: “Proactive deployment, which is aimed at ensuring public safety, protection of protesters, and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors, is characterised by visibility policing, the deployment of Explosive Ordinance Devices (EOD) experts and personnel at various strategic locations, raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, stop and search, vehicular and foot patrol and synergy with sister security agencies.
“The Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, while acknowledging the right of residents to protest, advises that it should be peaceful. The CP vows to resist all forms of violent protest and lawlessness, as the police will not be stampeded into allowing the destruction of public and private properties or loss of lives.”
“Residents are also urged to be vigilant and take advantage of the police emergency lines to report suspicious activities.”
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