By Odita Sunday
A group known as Community Advocacy for Peace and Strategic Leadership Initiative (CAPSLI) has raised concerns about the planned nationwide protest, saying the development would be a threat to national security and public safety.
According to the organisation, the federal and state governments have demonstrated commitments to cushioning the effects of hunger, through various interventionist initiatives.
CAPSLI’s position comes against the backdrop of a public declaration by some groups to embark on a nationwide march in protest against economic hardship in the country.
While acknowledging the challenges staring the masses in the face, the Group noted that protests will only worsen the already-tensed situation.
In a statement jointly signed by Akwuobi Emeka Francis (National Chairman), and Pius Pamela (National Secretary), the group said that “from experience garnered over the years, there is the possibility that hoodlums and other enemies of progress will infiltrate the ranks of the protesters, thereby hijacking the process”.
CAPSLI said: “This, no doubt, will trigger violent attacks, with consequential negative effects on national security, peace and order in the polity.
“While recognising the pressure that the current economic realities have brought to bear on the masses, CAPSLI believes that protests will not solve the problem, but rather worsen it.
“Intelligence at our disposal indicates that subversive elements, who have an axe to grind with the current political leadership, are currently recruiting vulnerable people, to destabilise the polity, using the instrumentality of the planned protest as a disguise.
“We, therefore, appeal to parents and guardians to rein-in their children/wards, while stressing the importance of public support to enable governments at all levels to deliver on their people-oriented programmes.
“As a pro-peace and leadership group, we are aware of efforts made by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration to retool the economy, which was not in any good standing, when he assumed power on May 29, 2023.
“One of such attempts, is the distribution of 20 trucks of rice to each of the thirty-six (36) states of the federation, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Again, the recent directive by the federal government for the cultivation of food crops on plots of land owned by the Military across the country is indicative of the quest for food security.
“We want to remind peace-loving Nigerians, especially our youth, that the beneficiaries of conflicts, are those who originate it, and more importantly, is the fact that those who breed monsters, often end in their bellies.
“Lastly, we task relevant security agencies on the urgent and compelling need to emplace measures that will enable law-abiding members of the public to conduct their lawful activities without any inhibitions, whatsoever.”
