Despite repeated pleas from the President Bola Tinubu administration for patience, former National Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress or APC (North-West), Salihu Lukman and some elders in the north have thrown their weights behind the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests which begin on Thursday across the country.
The protests are scheduled to be held from August 1 to 10.
A statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Prof. Usman Yusuf; Hajia Najatu Muhammad; Mallam Salihu Lukman; and Dr. Umar Ardo, said, “Any regime that cannot guarantee” security of life and property, and enhance the welfare of its citizens which they said formed part of the “basic rights, loses all legal and moral authority of being in power, and would naturally incur the wrath of citizens. It can therefore only remain in office more by default than by public consent.”
They argued that “This seems to be the state our dear country, Nigeria, is drifting towards. Over the years, successive governments at all levels, including the incumbent ones, fell short of delivering the requisite leadership.
“Consequently, Nigerians have been thrown into a state of social dislocation that has plunged citizens, especially the youths, into disillusionment, disappointment, frustration and hopelessness.
“To press home their legitimate demands concerning the cost of living crisis, insecurity and the worrisome drift in the ship of state, Nigerian youths have resolved to go on a 10-day nationwide protest from the 1st to 10th August 2024.
“We therefore wrote this special text to state our position concerning this resolve to protest and the attitude of the government to it.
“First, we want to affirm the constitutionally protected right of all citizens to assemble and to protest. We also acknowledge that the cause for protest against the system is valid and justifiable.
“We wish to state clearly that we firmly stand by our youths in their resolve to exercise their right to protest.
“Second, we call on the federal government to be pragmatic in its approach to the resolution of the crisis if it hopes to amicably resolve and mitigate the risks associated with mass protests,” the group made up of elders and stakeholders said in the statement.
They recommended that the government immediately take the following steps which they said is to engage in dialogue to “Identify and directly engage with the youth leaders and protesters to understand and address their grievances.
“Outsourcing this responsibility to others, such as traditional, religious, labour, and civil society leaders is not going to work.
“The use of state forces to intimidate, cajole and harass protesters can only further escalate an already volatile situation.
“We have recently seen that in the EndSARS protests. Engagement remains the best and most effective solution.
“Implement reforms: Sincerely address the demands of the protesters by implementing meaningful reforms, demonstrating goodwill and a commitment to change;
“Support youth empowerment: Invest in youth development programs, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
“Enhance economic development: Implement policies that would enhance the general economic development of the country;
“Improve governance: Enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance against personalised leadership, tackling corruption and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
“Ensure security: Ensure that the state security forces respect the rights of protesters by allowing them access for peaceful assembly without interference, intimidation or harassment and protect them against any harm;
“Lead by example: The government and its leadership should lead by example, demonstrating sacrifice, integrity, accountability and transparency so as to inspire trust and confidence.
“Having been in the trenches himself leading several protests, from the NADECO days to 2014, President Tinubu knows more than others the value of protest.
“To the protesting youths, we want to assure you that we understand and support your decision to exercise your constitutional right to peaceful protests in demanding good governance and accountability from your leaders.
“We believe that this is a legitimate and necessary step towards reclaiming your future and ensuring a better Nigeria for us all.
“As elders, while we stand shoulder to shoulder with you on this, we urge you to remain peaceful and law-abiding during these protests, avoiding any actions that may be misconstrued as violent, harmful, destructive, offensive or threatening to public peace.
“We also call on you to engage in dialogue if the government extends a hand of fellowship to you in addressing the root causes of your discontent and grievances.”
Consequently, they called “on our leaders and governments at all levels to be responsive and demonstrate commitment and respect for the freedom of all citizens to express themselves freely without any provocation as provided for in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended.
“We believe that together we can build a Nigeria that works for all its citizens, regardless of age, ethnicity, or socio-economic status,” the group stated.