Hardship: Forum Urges Caution On Nationwide Protest, Calls for National Dialogue

In response to growing economic challenges and societal unrest, the Former National Association of Nigeria Students Leaders‘ Forum (FNANSLF) has urged caution regarding the ongoing nationwide protest.

It advocated for a more constructive approach, calling for a national dialogue to address the underlying issues and promote unity in finding sustainable solutions.

The forum addressed the nation in Abuja, following up on their previous State of the Nation Address delivered on July 22, 2024.

Led by the convener and former NANS president (1999/2000), Comrade Tijani Kabiru Mohammed, the association empathised with Nigerians facing economic hardships, acknowledging widespread frustration over high living costs, inadequate healthcare, and collapsing livelihoods.

While recognising the constitutional right to peaceful protest, FNANSLF cautioned against the planned August 1 protest, fearing potential violence and hijacking by anti-democratic forces.

“We empathise with our fellow compatriots, especially during these difficult moments in our nation‘s history. We acknowledge the widespread frustration over the high cost of living, the increased cost of transportation, the inadequacy and exorbitant cost of medical services, and the collapse of viable means of livelihoods, resulting in severe economic despair for most Nigerians,” they stated.

“We have considered the situation in the country and agree that the right to protest remains an inalienable right of every citizen, especially the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our Constitution.

However, it only appeals to reason that the present federal government, having just spent one year in office, is not a sufficient timescale to measure their capabilities. We must take into account the numerous efforts and programmes of the new government aimed at eradicating youth unemployment, addressing food shortages, and reversing the decline of Nigeria‘s basic infrastructure.

„In a threat and risk assessment, we foresee the possibility of the planned protest being hijacked by anti-democratic forces, especially considering past incidents where supposedly peaceful protests turned violent and escalated into avoidable mayhem. We recall vividly how during these unrests, several lives and properties were lost, businesses and banks were vandalised, and major avenues were blocked for several days, causing unbearable hardship on our people,“ the group said.

The association stressed the need for more time to evaluate the new government‘s efforts in addressing unemployment, food shortages, and infrastructure issues.

FNANSLF urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts towards economic prosperity, job creation, and security.

The association called for a national dialogue to bridge the gap between the government and the people and ensure effective policy implementation.