Hardship: Peace Ambassador Tom John Calls For Dialogue Over Protests

As some youths and groups in the country insist on staging nationwide protests across the country against the prevailing economic hardship, a leading Eminent Peace Ambassador, Tom John, has called for strong dialogue between the government and stakeholders.

Amb. Tom John, who is the Focal Person of the International Association Of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) to the African Union (AU) made the call in a statement issued in Abuja where he addressed issues about the planned protests scheduled from August 1 to August 10, 2024.

He said as an advocate of peace, he strongly
urged the government to engage in dialogue with the protest organisers to address the pressing issues causing hardship across the nation.

He said the escalating cost of living, particularly the rising fuel prices, has had a profound impact on the daily lives of Nigerians, stressing that the economic strain has led to increased poverty,
with many citizens struggling to afford basic necessities.

He said the situation has unfortunately driven some individuals towards criminal activities as a means of survival, and the nation has
witnessed an alarming rise in unemployment among graduates.

Amb. Tom John stressed that as an advocate as well as other peace advocates of peace, they acknowledged the right to protest as
a legitimate means of expressing discontent while urging governmental action.

“We are deeply concerned about the potential for these protests to be hijacked by miscreants, leading to violence and chaos. The tragic events
at the Lagos Tollgate is a somber reminder of the potential consequences when peaceful protests are disrupted.

“In light of these concerns, we believe that dialogue is the most effective way forward. We encourage the government to listen
to the grievances of the people and take immediate steps to address the economic challenges, particularly by reducing fuel prices. This will help alleviate the suffering of many Nigerians and prevent further deterioration of the situation.

“We are committed to supporting peace efforts and are ready to assist in facilitating constructive dialogue between the government and the youth. It is imperative that we work together to find peaceful solutions and avoid actions that could escalate tensions
and harm our country.

“We have no other home but Nigeria, and it is in our collective interest to ensure peace and stability. We stand firm in our commitment to promoting peace in Nigeria, across Africa, and globally,” Amb. John stated