By Olayinka Ajay

The Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere US chapter, has appealed to those calling nationwide protests to seek their grievances with caution.

The group, in a statement by its executives while commending President Bola Tinubu on his recent victory at the Supreme Court on Local Government Autonomy, urged the President and his team to dialogue with the organizers of the protest to resolve the issue before it starts.

The statement reads in parts, “Our attention has been drawn to the proposed 10-day nationwide protest against the government on the rising cost of living and economic hardship in the country. Much as we know and recognize protest as a legitimate means to air grievances, we feel having another protest this time around will be one too many.

“Recall the country is yet to recover from the losses from the last series of protests conducted by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, recently. It is important we put emphasis on this in the wake of some viral videos of threats by people spoiling for a showdown with the Federal Government. Without doubt, the messages from the viral audio and videos making rounds among the organizers of the protests, who are mostly youths, leave much to be desired. It is therefore in the best interest of the country that the Afenifere US Chapter is appealing to our people, parents, and guardians to advise their children and wards not to become pawns in the hands of politicians with sinister motives.

“We also fear the proposed protest tagged “10 Days of Rage” and scheduled to be held from August 1 to August 10, 2024, might be hijacked by hoodlums who are planning to unleash mayhem on the country. Recall that this proposed demonstration is reminiscent of the October 2020 #EndSARS protest against police brutality that started peacefully before it degenerated into violence after it was hijacked! Therefore, since nobody gains from violence, we urge the organizers of this nationwide protest to reconsider their stand or to halt it if possible. Alternatively, we advocate for a more peaceful means of dialogue with the government instead of protest.

However, if they insist on protesting, such should be organized and carried out within the ambit of the law and civility, devoid of any form of violence, including wanton destruction of lives, properties, or infrastructure. Specifically, it should be done peacefully without bullying or attacking those who are not interested to forcefully join the protests. In addition, we call on the Inspector General of Police to advise his team not to leave anything to chance but rather be more circumspect in their handling of the situation to prevent escalation or a replay of the EndSARS crisis!

“We are overtly committed to the welfare and prosperity of the people, including the youths with whom we share in the pains that led to the cry for government’s intervention. And like the saying of the elders: “You cannot be beating a child yet expect the child not to cry. We therefore call on our government at all levels, including the state governors in particular, not to view this planned protest as a confrontation but a clarion call to live up to their responsibilities to their respective states and people.

“We congratulate Mr. President on his recent victory at the Supreme Court on Local Government Autonomy and applaud him for workers’ new minimum wage. But it’s very imperative he focuses on bringing down the high cost of fuel for ease of doing business and increase in the purchasing power of the people. More importantly, we appeal to Mr. President and his team to dialogue with the organizers of the protest to resolve the issue before it starts.

“We also use this medium to echo our belief in restructuring the country to true federalism as the surest way out of our current political quagmire. We remain committed to restructuring and call on Mr. President and the national assembly to give this option serious consideration.”