By Comrade Abdulazeez
As we navigate the complexities of our nascent democracy, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. The recent calls for protests, fueled by selfish interests and political machinations, threaten to undermine the very fabric of our society. We must learn from the lessons of the past, where destructive protests have led to chaos and devastation, as seen in the EndSARS protests and other countries that have been ravaged by unrest.
As a concerned citizen and a stakeholder in the Nigerian project, I am compelled to urge my fellow Nigerians to exercise patience and embrace roundtable dialogue as a better approach to addressing our grievances. The President Tinubu Administration is still in its infancy, and it is unfair to judge them without giving them time to implement their policies and deliver on their promises.
Destructive protests will only hurt the innocent, our markets, schools, and businesses will suffer, leaving our people vulnerable. On the other hand, engaging in constructive dialogue with the government and stakeholders will yield more positive results and allow for meaningful discussion and resolution of grievances.
We must not forget the lessons of the past, where reckless protests fueled by selfish interests led to chaos and destruction. The likes of Omoyele Sowore and others, who are currently fueling the embers of discord from the safety of foreign lands, while their families are comfortably abroad, must be called out for their hypocrisy.
Their actions, and those of their ilk, led to the burning down of Lagos BRT buses, the looting of ShopRite and other businesses, leaving many Nigerians to bear the brunt of their recklessness. Till date, many businesses are yet to recover from the devastating effects of the EndSARS protests.
However, we must commend governors like AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who took proactive steps to mitigate the effects of the protests on his people. His administration’s efforts in providing support to those affected by the protests through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) are a testament to responsible leadership. The rollout of funds to help affected businesses recover and bring their enterprises back to life is a shining example of governance at its best.
Therefore, I urge Nigerians to:
- Exercise patience and understanding
- Engage in roundtable dialogue with the government
- Reject destructive protests and chaos
- Support President Tinubu’s Administration as they work to deliver on their promises
Let us learn from the past and reject those who seek to use us as cannon fodder for their selfish ambitions. We must choose peace, stability, and progress.
Signed,
Comrade Muhammed O. Abdulazeez from Ilorin, Kwara State