Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurosheed Akanbi has urged President Bola Tinubu to invite Civil Society organisations and opposition parties to a dialogue ahead of the planned hardship protest in the country.

Oluwo in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem on Thursday, disclosed that consultation is key to averting violent confrontation.

While nursing fear that the protest may be hijacked by hoodlums for stealing and destroying public properties, he charged the President to extend invitation for dialogue to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, LP, labour union leaders, students’ unions, civil society organisations, CSO, notable traditional rulers and other stakeholders to discuss the state of the nation and collate more ideas to address the economic hardship.

“At this crucial moment of global economic challenge, Nigeria inclusive, I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convey a national dialogue most especially with the dog handlers comprising the opposition parties leaders, civil society organizations, labour leaders, students, traditional rulers and religious leaders.

“In a democratic setting,a peaceful protest is guaranteed provided some are not waiting somewhere to hijack it. Protest will not be advisable at this critical moment of tense global economic hardship.

“I’ve strong hope in the opposition leaders to honour national dialogue and contribute intellectual ideas to national development.  No patriotic opposition leaders will want Nigeria to be destroyed.

“Even if a protest is held, we will resort to a round table discussion after the road show.  Rather than allowing hoodlums to hijack and  destroy the nation we are trying to construct, why not embrace dialogue? When we sit together and talk to each other, more virile approaches and solutions may be suggested for application. It will also provide an avenue for the government to reveal their plans in checkmating food crisis and manage the economy to our collective advantage.

“Different bodies should have representative (s) at such gathering. Those willing to protest should appoint leaders. It shouldn’t be like endsars protesters without leader. No harm will be done to them. As a traditional ruler and leader, I’m watching to ensure masses interests are protected and always ready to speak truth to power. Sincere protesters can reach out to notable traditional rulers.

“The inflation is killing. It’s a global phenomenon. I visited Saudi Arabia recently. Prices of goods have gone up acrosa the world. Even the rich are finding it difficult. Addressing the challenge should involve everyone to come together and discusss way forward”, it reads