Unhappy with the level of destruction of lives and property in parts of the country by angry protesters in the ongoing nationwide protest, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Paschal Agbodike, has pleaded with youths to calm down and give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu time to meet their demands.
Hon. Agbodike, who represents Ihiala Federal Constituency in Anambra State and a member of the House Committee on Hydrological Services, begged the protesters to suspend the protests and allow the government to address their grievances, which indeed reflects the situation of things in the country.
He recounted the number of people killed and property worth billions of naira within the last few days of the protest, noting that in most cases, the damage caused in any protest is worth more than whatever demands protesters demand from authorities.
According to the lawmaker, “Going by the history before us, most protests in Nigeria used to turn violent. We have not seen any protest in Nigeria of that magnitude that will end up a peaceful protest. In the end, hoodlums and some of the enemies of the government will possibly hijack the good intentions of the protesters against the hardship they are witnessing, thereby turning out violent.
“So, in that regard, among other reasons, I use this opportunity to call on our youth not to go for protest. There are many ways to show grievances against the ruling party or the government, but in the real sense, speaking from the opposition point of view, people from the opposition and those who don’t like his face should please not encourage people that will turn down the country.”
Hon. Agbodike also said, ” I plead with the youth not to support those plotting to turn down this country. The country belongs to all of us. I appeal to the people to calm down; it is true. There is hunger and hardship everywhere. We all know the root cause of this hunger.
“I think if the government should focus on securing our farms if there will be adequate security for the farmers to return to the farm with some incentives, clear our bushes of kidnappers and bandits, this will help our farmers and the food price will drastically fall immediately.
“Mr President should channel his energy first, which will be a credit for his administration. When people are well fed, there is nothing that can transmit anger; instead, it will radiate joy in the face of the people, and it will also metamorphose love and understanding
In this administration, that is one of the things Mr President should work on, which will be better. He should consider those areas the citizens are clamouring for, and by doing that, he is responsive to his administration.
“We need to join hands and urge him to succeed. Any opposition member with a good idea to contribute to moving this country forward should bring it to the table for discussion, knowing that the country is ours. That is my contribution to the protest.
“I don’t support the protest because of the other side of the turnout, such as killing and violence recorded in the history of other protests we have seen in Nigeria. Also, I don’t support shutting and hitting innocent citizens of Nigeria. Let us consider our brothers and sisters. We are running to nowhere. Let us not destroy our country. If not, we all will suffer it together. So, let us cooperate to create a better Nigeria. I don’t even have a visa to travel to any country, as there was speculation that the members of the National Assembly had run away because of the protest, inciting people. There is nothing worse on earth than indoctrination, and people have been indoctrinated into believing that lies will become the truth, that same lie that people of the National Assembly earn fat salaries. Now, we have divided our salary into two and consider one a sacrifice to calm down nerves.”
He further said, “We need lasting peace, and if there is peace in the country, we shall be fine. Nigeria will move forward if we learn to use our conscience and respect. I believe this government is responsive, especially when the matter is raised, unlike the former administration, which will always say I am not aware. It is our collective responsibility to support the government of Ahmed Bola Tinubu.”
