Amid calls for a 10-day nationwide protest slated to begin on August 1st, organized youth, students, and civil societies have convened for a significant town hall engagement, urging common sense to prevail. The group has collectively resolved that, in the interest of national unity, all planned protests should be shelved.
The town hall engagement, a pivotal event aimed at promoting dialogue and understanding, was convened by Osahon Okunbo. It took place on Wednesday, July 31, at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja. The meeting gathered an impressive array of stakeholders, including political figures, youth leaders, and civil society representatives, to discuss the potential implications of the proposed protests.
In his opening remarks, Udengs Eradiri, the Labour Party Governorship candidate in the 2023 election, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the youth and the government. He described the protest as “premature” and called for patience and constructive engagement with the current administration.
“The protest is rather premature, and as youths, we need to collaborate with the government by furnishing them with ideas on how to move the nation forward,” Eradiri stated. “It will be rather sad to experience a repeat of what happened during the #EndSARS protest, where businesses were looted and government properties meant for the good of the people were destroyed, thereby setting states like Lagos State backward.”
Eradiri acknowledged the difficulty in halting the momentum for protest, given the overwhelming number of supporters. However, he urged for the situation to be managed with care to protect national unity.
“I understand it will be difficult to stop this protest because those who are for the protest outnumber those who do not want it to happen. However, we must manage the situation to the point where it does not affect our unity as a nation and our future. For the first time in Nigeria, we have a president who is simultaneously attempting to deal with every issue and ensure he leaves no stone unturned. It is essential to give this administration more time for holistic development,” Eradiri added.
Theresa Tekena, the Publicity Secretary of the Young Women’s Forum, which spans across all states of the federation, echoed similar sentiments. She highlighted the role of youth participation in governance as a means of empowerment and a path towards national development.
“Youth participation in governance can broaden the horizon of youths while giving them the driver’s seat in the way they see the country, rather than just being spectators,” Tekena noted. “It is easy to criticize and demand immediate change, such as a reduction in the cost of living. However, it is crucial to understand that change is a process.”
Tekena expressed her belief in the current administration’s efforts to address the needs of ordinary Nigerians, especially the youth.
“This country has gone through different administrations, and I believe that the Tinubu administration is doing everything humanly possible to make life easier for ordinary Nigerians. The president is a listening president who understands the everyday challenges faced by young people in the country, which has led him to appoint many young people in his administration. I believe the protest is already a success as it has made the government more proactive. Let us give them time, and we will all be glad we believed in this government,” she concluded.
Hon. Sunday Asefon, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, highlighted the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and inclusion.
“In the history of this country, I can confidently say that President Tinubu stands tall in giving more youth the opportunity to thrive,” Asefon declared. “In his administration, there are more than five ministers who are less than 40 years old. He has more than 120 Senior Special Assistants who are all youth, and this move aims to be all-inclusive.”
Asefon praised President Tinubu’s vision to build a successor generation by offering opportunities to young Nigerians. He cautioned against those he described as “enemies of the state” who seek to exploit youth frustrations for their parochial agendas.
“Asiwaju’s vision is to build a successor generation, and this explains why he is giving youths opportunities. Enemies of the state are the ones masquerading and pushing their parochial agenda through the youths by fueling their frustrations to make the country ungovernable for the president. Let us all not give them a chance,” Asefon urged.
Other notable attendees included Former President National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Mr. Tijani Kabiru; Special Adviser to President on Student Engagement, Mr. Sunday Asefor; National public Relations Officer National youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Dotun Omolefe; President National Association of Nigeria Students (NANs), Lucky Emonefe.
Also present were Comrade Daniel Egga, Coordinator of NANS Zone C (North Central); Comrade Chidi Nzekwe, Southeast Zone F Coordinator; Comrade Bappa Hassan, Coordinator Zone E (North East); Comrade Bilal Lawal Kurfi, Coordinator Zone A (Northwest); Comrade Alao John, Southwest Zone D Coordinator of NANS; and Comrade Bappa Hassan, Coordinator Zone E (North East).
The Potential Risks of a Nationwide Protest
As the nation grapples with economic challenges and political tensions, the call for a nationwide protest raises critical concerns about stability and unity. While protests are a fundamental aspect of democratic expression, the scale and intensity of a 10-day nationwide protest could lead to unintended consequences, including a breakdown of law and order.
The lessons from the #EndSARS protests serve as a stark reminder of how quickly peaceful demonstrations can escalate into violence and chaos. The aftermath of the protests saw significant damage to infrastructure, loss of lives, and economic setbacks in key states. The government’s challenge lies in balancing the right to protest with the need to maintain peace and security.
A prolonged nationwide protest could potentially lead to:
- Economic Disruption: A large-scale protest can paralyze economic activities, leading to significant losses for businesses and individuals. The disruption of transportation, commerce, and essential services could exacerbate existing economic woes, pushing the country further into economic hardship.
- Security Concerns: With the potential for clashes between protesters and law enforcement, the risk of violence and vandalism increases. Such situations could strain the country’s security apparatus and create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the chaos.
- Political Instability: A nationwide protest might deepen political divisions, with opposing factions using the unrest to further their agendas. This could lead to a polarized society and weaken the government’s ability to implement policies effectively.
- Social Fragmentation: The protest could exacerbate existing social tensions, leading to divisions along ethnic, religious, or regional lines. This fragmentation poses a significant threat to national unity and cohesion.
Finally, while the grievances fueling the call for protest are legitimate and reflect the frustrations of many Nigerians, it is crucial to pursue dialogue and constructive engagement as pathways to addressing these issues. The town hall meeting serves as a testament to the potential for collaboration and understanding in navigating the complexities of governance and societal challenges. National unity and stability must remain paramount as the nation seeks solutions to its pressing problems.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
