Group Caution Against Planned Nationwide Protest  

As some group of persons have publicly declared their plans to embark on nationwide march in protest against economic hardship in the country in the coming days, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Community Advocacy for Peace and Strategic Leadership Initiative (CAPSLI), has said the planned nationwide protest will have adverse effect on national security and public safety.

The organisation said both federal and state governments have demonstrated commitments to cushioning the effects of hunger, through various interventionist initiatives/palliative measures.

While acknowledging the challenges staring the masses in the face, CAPSLI noted that protests will only worsen the already-tensed situation.

In a statement jointly signed by the Akwuobi Emeka Francis (national chairman), and Pius Pamela (national secretary) of the group, the peace and strategic leadership initiative organisation said that, “from experience garnered over the years, there is the possibility that hoodlums and other enemies of progress will infiltrate the ranks of the protesters, thereby hijacking the process”.

“This, no doubt, will trigger violent attacks, with consequential negative effects on national security, peace and order in the polity.

“While recognising the pressure that the current economic realities have brought to bear on the masses, CAPSLI believes that protests will not solve the problem, but rather worsen it.

“Intelligence at our disposal indicates that subversive elements, who have an axe to grind with the current political leadership, are currently recruiting vulnerable people, to destabilise the polity, using the instrumentality of the planned protest as a disguise.

“We, therefore, appeal to parents and guardians to rein-in their children/wards, while stressing the importance of public support to enable governments at all levels to deliver on their people-oriented programmes.

“As a pro-peace and leadership group, we are aware of efforts made by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration to retool the economy, which was not in any good standing, when he assumed power on May 29, 2023,” the group stated.