Zulum, Shehu, CAN Oppose Planned Hunger Protest

Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, alongside the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi and the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev Dr John Bogna Bakeni have appealed to the citizens of Borno and the country at large to shelve the planned hardship protest and embrace dialogue.

At a stakeholders meeting convened by Governor Zulum at the Government House Maiduguri, the governor said he is appealing not only to the people of Borno State but also to Nigerians to shun any protest that would cause them hardship.

LEADERSHIP reports that some Nigerians, under various bodies, have planned a nationwide protest between August 1st and 10th against the rising cost of living and the economic hardship facing the country at the moment.

But during the stakeholders meeting, which comprised, the members of the state executive council, traditional rulers, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), National Association of Nigeria Students ( NANS ), National Youth Council of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) , the Nigerian military, the police among others, the governor noted that the government and people of the state who have been bearing the brunt of the Boko Haram insurgency cannot afford to participate in any protest that could result to destruction of property and maiming of innocent citizens.

“I appeal not only to the people of Borno State, but to all Nigerians to shun any protest that will bring hardship to Nigerians. And there is a need for us to maintain law and order in the state. Any breakdown of law and order would be a disaster to the state. Let us engage in positive dialogue.

The federal and state governments are doing everything possible to ensure that the current hardship that the people are facing is well reduced.

“I am happy to note that many stakeholders have committed not to join the protest. The government of Borno State will follow up and implement the resolutions at this stakeholders’ meeting,” the governor stated.

He said the state government will embark on massive agricultural activities to ensure the production of food for the citizens.

In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, joined Governor Zulum in appealing to the people of the state and the country at large to shun the proposed protest over hardship and embrace constructive engagement.

In the same vein, the chairman of CAN in the state, Bishop John Bakeni, called for dialogue and constructive engagement.

“This is because even after the protest, we will still come back for dialogue, so why waste energy taking the path of destruction when there is constructive engagement? Issues are not resolved in protest but in dialogue. The issue at hand is a wake-up call to us. We as leaders must work for justice,” the CAN chairman said.