By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AS the polity gets heated over the proposed nationwide protest, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, Saturday, tasked President Bola Tinubu to set timeframe to address the agitations of Nigerians over hunger and hardship that have crippled their lives.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, and made available to Vanguard, pointed out that Inflation, unemployment, corruption, and insecurity are critical challenges that need urgent attention and demand clear time frame for addressing citizens’ grievances rather than merely attempting to suppress protests.

Rafsanjani also called on government to ensure protection of peaceful protesters because it is their civil right because peaceful protest is a fundamental right of Nigerians.

Also the CISLAC boss charged local and state governments to use their machinery to constructively resolve demands of the citizenry instead of resorting to suppress genuine protest and protesters that could trigger chaos and anarchy across the country.

He said: “Inflation, unemployment, corruption, and insecurity are critical challenges that need urgent attention. The integrity of our institutions is in question, and it is imperative to restore trust and confidence so that citizens can once again believe in their country.

“Protesters must be protected. This is a democratic right, and the government should ensure their safety.

“The protests should not be framed along religious, ethnic, and political lines; rather, the government at all levels should listen to and address the genuine concerns of the people.

“Addressing the issues raised is crucial. The government must set a clear timeframe for resolving these problems instead of merely attempting to halt protests or arresting those who want to protest.”

However , he (Rafsanjani) cautioned the military’s involvement in handling domestic issues, which should be the responsibility of the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

“The military should not assume the role of the police in domestic matters. Professionalism and restraint are essential to avoid escalating tensions”, he said.

Meanwhile, he called on protesters to remain responsible and vigilant against individuals seeking to exploit the protests and hijack it for negative purposes.

“Protesters must remain peaceful and vigilant. The police should protect them and ensure the protest does not escalate due to the actions of those with malicious intentions”, he added.

In conclusion, he maintained that CISLAC calls for comprehensive measures to address the issues at hand, allowing citizens to freely express their opinions on government actions.

“In a democratic setting, every individual should have the right to express their views on government performance. President Bola Tinubu, himself a product of protest, should understand and respect this right.

“CISLAC stands firmly with the citizens in their right to peaceful protest and calls on the government to act with urgency and responsibility in addressing the concerns raised by Nigerians and also called on governments at both states and national levels to release those who have been arrested for expressing their desire to join peaceful protest for a positive change”, he added.