Eminent Nigerians Urge Dialogue Over Proposed Protest
Abuja, Nigeria — July 30, 2024
In a call for national unity and peace, numerous prominent Nigerians, including statesmen, top government officials, political leaders, clerics, and monarchs, have urged dialogue between the Federal Government and the organizers of the proposed protest scheduled to take place starting from 29th of July. The appeal comes in the wake of concerns over potential violence and unrest, similar to the incidents that marked the 2020 EndSARS protests.
These leaders have advised the protest organizers to reconsider their plans in the interest of national stability and security. They emphasize the importance of constructive engagement with the government to address the grievances that have led to the call for protest.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) said planned protest is unnecessary because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is addressing the demands of the agitators.
Two key government officials have also stepped forward to dissuade the organizers, asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already addressing the concerns through significant people-oriented initiatives. Ministers Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation) and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Interior) emphasized that the President is fulfilling his campaign promises, rendering the protest unnecessary.
Speaking to reporters at the State House in Abuja following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Idris stressed the government’s commitment to addressing the grievances raised by the protesters. “President Tinubu is keenly aware of the issues brought forward and is taking decisive actions to resolve them. Through the implementation of several laudable programs, the administration is ensuring that the needs of the people are met,” Idris said. Idris also disclosed that the Federal Government has commenced the distribution of additional 10 trucks of 50kg rice to each state of the federation, which would be sold at designated centres at N40,000.
several state governors have also spoken out against the protest. Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna State), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) have all expressed grave concerns about the potential for socio-economic paralysis and bloodshed should the protest go ahead.
The governors emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford another episode of violent protests, which would further destabilize the country and cripple socio-economic activities. Their statements come amid rising tensions and calls from various segments of society for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State stressed the importance of maintaining peace and order. "We have seen the devastating effects of past protests. Our priority must be to protect lives and livelihoods. We urge the organizers to reconsider and engage in dialogue," Sani said.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri echoed these sentiments, underscoring the need for constructive engagement. "While the right to protest is fundamental, we must also consider the potential consequences. We call on all parties to seek peaceful solutions through dialogue and negotiation," Diri stated.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State warned of the dangers of protests being hijacked by violent elements. "We must learn from our history. Protests can quickly spiral out of control, leading to destruction and loss of life. Let us find alternative ways to address our grievances," he urged. Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to meet the demands of the protesters. "President Tinubu's administration is actively addressing the issues at hand. The planned protest is unnecessary and could derail the progress being made," Oyebanji said.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has also weighed in on the matter, asserting that the planned protest is unnecessary as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively addressing the demands of the agitators. In a press briefing, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, reassured the public that the administration is committed to resolving the issues at hand.
“President Tinubu is keenly aware of the concerns raised by various groups and is working tirelessly to address them. We believe that continued dialogue and engagement are the best ways forward. A protest at this time could be counterproductive and pose risks to national security,” Mohammed stated.
As the nation awaits further developments, the overarching message from its leaders is one of peace, dialogue, and unity. The government and protest organizers are urged to find common ground to prevent any recurrence of the violent clashes that have marred past protests.
In these crucial times, the call for dialogue serves as a reminder of the power of communication and negotiation in achieving lasting solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
Abuja, Nigeria — July 30, 2024
These leaders have advised the protest organizers to reconsider their plans in the interest of national stability and security. They emphasize the importance of constructive engagement with the government to address the grievances that have led to the call for protest.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) said planned protest is unnecessary because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is addressing the demands of the agitators.
Two key government officials have also stepped forward to dissuade the organizers, asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already addressing the concerns through significant people-oriented initiatives. Ministers Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation) and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Interior) emphasized that the President is fulfilling his campaign promises, rendering the protest unnecessary.
Speaking to reporters at the State House in Abuja following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Idris stressed the government’s commitment to addressing the grievances raised by the protesters. “President Tinubu is keenly aware of the issues brought forward and is taking decisive actions to resolve them. Through the implementation of several laudable programs, the administration is ensuring that the needs of the people are met,” Idris said. Idris also disclosed that the Federal Government has commenced the distribution of additional 10 trucks of 50kg rice to each state of the federation, which would be sold at designated centres at N40,000.
several state governors have also spoken out against the protest. Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna State), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) have all expressed grave concerns about the potential for socio-economic paralysis and bloodshed should the protest go ahead.
The governors emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford another episode of violent protests, which would further destabilize the country and cripple socio-economic activities. Their statements come amid rising tensions and calls from various segments of society for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State stressed the importance of maintaining peace and order. "We have seen the devastating effects of past protests. Our priority must be to protect lives and livelihoods. We urge the organizers to reconsider and engage in dialogue," Sani said.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri echoed these sentiments, underscoring the need for constructive engagement. "While the right to protest is fundamental, we must also consider the potential consequences. We call on all parties to seek peaceful solutions through dialogue and negotiation," Diri stated.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State warned of the dangers of protests being hijacked by violent elements. "We must learn from our history. Protests can quickly spiral out of control, leading to destruction and loss of life. Let us find alternative ways to address our grievances," he urged. Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to meet the demands of the protesters. "President Tinubu's administration is actively addressing the issues at hand. The planned protest is unnecessary and could derail the progress being made," Oyebanji said.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has also weighed in on the matter, asserting that the planned protest is unnecessary as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively addressing the demands of the agitators. In a press briefing, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, reassured the public that the administration is committed to resolving the issues at hand.
“President Tinubu is keenly aware of the concerns raised by various groups and is working tirelessly to address them. We believe that continued dialogue and engagement are the best ways forward. A protest at this time could be counterproductive and pose risks to national security,” Mohammed stated.
As the nation awaits further developments, the overarching message from its leaders is one of peace, dialogue, and unity. The government and protest organizers are urged to find common ground to prevent any recurrence of the violent clashes that have marred past protests.
In these crucial times, the call for dialogue serves as a reminder of the power of communication and negotiation in achieving lasting solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.