By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Following proposed nationwide planned protest by youths organizations, Arewa House, Centre for Research and Historical Documentation convened a one-day roundtable discussion with representatives from various sectors, which includes religious leaders, youth groups, students’ unions,trade unions,traditional leaders,state government representatives, security agencies, academicians, opinion influencers, and media organizations.
In a communique issue to newsmen and read by Director of Arewa House Professor Suleiman Shu’aibu read in part “We, the participants of the one-day roundtable discussion on the State of the Nation, with specific reference to the planned August 2024 nationwide protest in Nigeria, convened to discuss the potential consequences and implications of the planned protest.
“While we recognize the fundamental right of the public to peaceful protest as outlined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we express our deep concerns regarding the potential negative impacts this protest may have on our nation’s security, stability, and development.
“Having carefully considered the experiences and lessons learned from similar protests around the world, including the crises in Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Venezuela, Hong Kong, and Myanmar, we acknowledge the devastating consequences that prolonged conflicts and humanitarian crises can have on the lives and well-being of our citizens.
“We are equally aware of the societal disruptions that can arise from protests that escalate into violence and unrest. The experiences of these nations illustrate how civil strife can lead to loss of life, widespread displacement, economic decline, and the erosion of social cohesion.
“The International Rescue Organization reported a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, leading to a large-scale conflict.
“Similarly, in Nigeria, Reports indicated that the #EndSARS protests, which erupted in October 2020, with over 10,000 protesters participated in Lagos alone, had witnessed at least, the death of during the protests and many others injured. We understand the grievances and concerns that may drive individuals and groups to take to the streets in protest.
However, we believe it is crucial to seek alternative paths to address these issues paths that prioritize peaceful coexistence,dialogue, and sustainable development.
“We firmly believe that engaging in constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts can lead to more effective and lasting solutions to the challenges facing our nation.
“The potential negative impacts of the August 2024 protest raise serious concerns about the loss of innocent lives, the destruction of valuable assets, and the exacerbation of tensions and insecurity.
“We emphasize the need to protect the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly young people, children, and women who may participate in the protest.
“We urge the Federal and State Governments to urgently implement programs aimed at addressing the root causes of public discontent, such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of social services.
“The government should also, as a matter of urgency, release all those arrested in connection with the proposed protests. Doing so would earn the government respect and may help to diminish the momentum of the protesters.
“We call upon the government and relevant stakeholders to explore alternative avenues, such as town hall meetings, public consultations, and policy reforms, to address the grievances and demands of the citizens.
“We urge all concerned parties, including government representatives, civil society organizations, and citizens, to engage in open and inclusive dialogue to address the underlying issues and concerns that may drive protests.
The communique maintain that “Recognizing the importance of youth in shaping the future of our nation, we propose the implementation of youth empowerment programs that provide gainful employment, skills training, and opportunities for youth to actively participate in the development of our society.
“We emphasize the need to strengthen our institutions, including the judiciary, security agencies, and governance structures, to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice for all citizens.
“We appeal to both religious and community leaders to guide their congregations in prayers for peace and prosperity, and to counsel their followers on the importance of peaceful coexistence.
“We also encourage affluent members of society to provide assistance in alleviating the suffering of the less privileged through the provision of food, medicines, and other necessities.
“We call upon the media to uphold their ethical responsibility in reporting events to do with unrests,ensuring accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism that contributes to promoting peace, understanding,and national unity.
“We express our deep concern regarding the dangers of fake news and misinformation, which have the potential to further exacerbate tensions and incite violence. It is essential for media houses to be conscious of the national security implications of their reportage and exercise caution in disseminating information to the public.
