ACF, GAMA, IPU Urge Nigerians To Shun Protest

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Gamji Members Association (GAMA) and Ibagun Progressive Union (IPU) have appealed to Nigerians to shun the August 1, 2024 planned protest against the federal government.

The three socio- cultural organisations made the appeal in separate statements made available to newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State yesterday.

The chairman of the ACF in Kwara State, Dr Ghali Alaaya made the appeal in a statement signed by the director of media and documentation, Alh Abdullahi Olesin.

The ACF reminded Nigerians that protest, with its potential dangers as witnessed in the past will not do the nation any good.

While acknowledging the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration at fixing the nation’s economy and make life abundant for the citizens, the group urged Nigerians to exercise more patience as the government’s reforms will soon yield fruitful dividend.

It urged the president and the 36 state governors to continue to implement people- friendly policies to ameliorate the sufferings of the poor Nigerians.

Also, the Gamji Members Association (GAMA) has reminded Nigerians of the potential dangers that violent protest poses to the security of lives and property.

GAMA, an association committed to the promotion of the ideals of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, therefore urged Nigerians not to participate in the planned August 1, 2024 protest.

The association in a statement signed by its president general, Alh Tunde Akanbi and the director of publicity, Alh Abdullahi Olesin, recalled the collosal economic loss suffered by the government, organisations and individuals to the ill- fated #EndSARS project.

It urged Nigerians to circumvent the recurrence of the aftermath of the #EndSARS protest by shunning the latest protest being called organised by certain unpatriotic elements.
GAMA particularly enjoined the northerners to continue to promote peace and stability as enjoined by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello.

It, therefore, advised the northerners in every part of the country not to participate in any protest come August 1 or at any time.

It noted that there are many peaceful avenues through which the people can make their grievances known to the government other than protest which may leave in its wake anguish and sorrow.
In its own statement, the Ibagun Progressive Union ( IPU) in Okelele area of Ilorin East local government area of the state urged the people of the community to shun the protest.

The union made the appeal in a statement signed by its chairman, Barr. AbdulRauf Ajao Amode.
While noting that protest doesn’t solve problems, the IPU appealed to the promoters of the planned protest to give peace a chance.

It expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu and the 36 states governors ably led by the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq are capable of solving the various challenges confronting the country.

The IPU acknowledged the giant strides of Governor AbdulRazaq in all sectors and expressed the confidence that he would encourage the president and his fellow governors to always implement people-oriented policies and programmes as he’s doing in Kwara State.