The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has urged Nigerians to shelve the planned protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.
Kwankwaso made this call in an address to Nigerians on his X account on Saturday morning, adding that the planned protest against hunger might not end well, judging from experience.
“My fellow Nigerians, it is with deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current situation in Nigeria. Today, I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation,” he wrote.
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“The recent calls for protests against bad governance resonate with me, as they reflect our collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria.
“However, protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often come with unforeseen and dire consequences.
“The tragic events of the past have shown us that protests can escalate into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos.
“The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.”
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to put the country first before any other consideration by way of being patient with the government and giving it all necessary support to succeed.
He said if any government fails to provide the necessary leadership for a better Nigeria, we will have the opportunity as citizens to elect the people who can bring the required change using our votes.
The former governor of Kano state added that in these trying times, Nigeria stands at a crossroads and as such, our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong.
“As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change,” the NNPP presidential candidate during the 2023 general election said.
“However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation through the power of your ballot.”