…Say It May Compound Existing Challenges
Former members of the House of Representatives that served in the Third Republic have called on the people planning to hold protest against in the country to shelve the idea because of uncertainties and the tense atmosphere in the country.
They made the call at a press briefing held at the House of Representatives in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking under the aegis of ‘Third Republic House of Representatives Forum’ stated that,while the right to protest is an integral part of democracy, it is essential to know that, there are negative consequences that can arise when it is conducted at a time when the atmosphere is tense.
Addressing the Press Conference, a member of the Forum, Basir Okafor said protests carried out peacefully and responsibly, have the power to bring attention to important social, political, and economic issues and allow voices to be heard, encourage dialogue, and promote change.
He said, “However, in a society already burdened with tension, protests can exacerbate the existing problems, further dividing people and escalating tensions.
“Typical and recent examples of what to expect was seen in Kenya and Uganda which we believe the planners wish to emulate and perpetrate in Nigeria.
“The frustration, anger, and resentment that lie beneath the surface can erupt into chaos, undermining the very purpose of the protest and causing harm to individuals and property”.
The Forum further added that protest in a tense society has the potential to be manipulated and exploitated by various stakeholders.
It added, “In times of tension and strife, extremist groups or political factions may exploit protests to further their own agenda. They may infiltrate peaceful demonstrations, incite violence, and spread misinformation, leading to a distortion of the original purpose of the protest and the dilution of its message.
“Protests conducted in a tense society often result in a breakdown of communication and dialogue. Instead of fostering understanding and empathy, they deepen divisions and create an “us versus them” mentality.
“People from opposing sides become entrenched in their positions, refusing to listen or engage in meaningful conversation. The very essence of a protest the desire for change and progress becomes overshadowed by animosity and hostility”.
In his remark, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa who was also a member of the Forum, said as political stakeholders, they want to put their voice to the national discourse on the planned protest.
He said, “We want to put our voice to the national conversations. We may not know who is there planning the alleged protest.
And we want to plead with Nigerians, not even the so-called perpetrators of this alleged protest, Nigerians at large, to please understand with Mr. President.
“He has once said it in one of his very popular speeches that he wished he could have done otherwise. He also feels, he also sees, he also tests the hardships people are going through.
“But definitely when you are coming with an aggressive government and aggressive approach to economic issues, definitely people will be subjected to one kind of hardships or inconveniences one way or the other”.
