Stop Planned Nationwide Protest, Arewa Group Urges Nigerians

From: Segun Awofadeji, BAUCHI

A Non - Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development (R.A.I.D) have kicked against the August 1st to 15th proposed nationwide protests by a group, #EndBadGovernance, against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a Press release issued by Comrade Bitako Abubakar Umar, Director Strategic Communications and Publicity of the group which was made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday, opined that the nationwide protests may not be the solution to the difficult situation facing the country.

While acknowledging the socio - economic hardship many Nigerians are experiencing at the moment, including economic challenges, insecurity and social unrest, the group however cautioned that the genuine desire for progress might be hijacked by those with with interior motives.

According to the release, "Even though,we know that grievances through protests is a democratic right but it is not the most reliable or effective means to. resolve issues. We also believe that protests alone will not provide the solutions we seek or crave for. So, we call on Nigerians, particularly our youths to channel their strength and wisdom towards dialogue and constructive engagement."

"The fact remains that protest is a fundamental right of every Nigerian citizen as enshrined in the constitution of the country,but it is evident that beyond genuine complaints,recent calls to protest have been highly sensationalised, carrying political undertones," the group declared.

According to the release, "Government policies that are favourable if well implemented will favor the citizens. These policies include, the recent Supreme Court judgement on Local Government Autonomy and the attempt to establish Local Government Independent Electoral Commission and Students Loan Schemes."

The group then emphasised that "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to democracy and visionary leadership,encapsulated in the, 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda if well implemented Will inspire confidence and trust among Nigerians, promising a new era of hope and transformation."

While stating that the Federal government had distributed several Interventions In the areas of food palliatives and other empowerment programmes as well as many government projects and programmes aimed at alleviating poverty in the country, the group urged the government to continue to do their best to ease the suffering of citizens including approving the duty - free importation of major food items and new empowerment packages.