A former governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyame has warned the people of the state particularly, the Yoro community against participating in the August 1 planned nationwide protest against hardship in the country.
Some aggrieved Nigerians have taken to the social media, mobilising to embark on a nationwide protest to draw attention to the prevailing economic situation that has resulted in hardship and escalated living conditions in the country.
However, Nyame, addressing a world press conference on Sunday in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, said the protest is likely to be a menace that could result to creating more harm than good to Nigeria.
He counselled that rather than embarking on a nationwide protest to return the recently removed fuel subsidy, government should instead provide subsidies on all levels of agriculture .
“There is no doubt that our beloved country is going through one of the toughest challenges in history. There is glaring shortages of all the hasic things we need for survival, including food, education for our children and affordable health facilities. I am aware that many families stay for days without food and other necessities.
“Incidentally, this is the reason for this briefing. As the saying goes, “a hungry man is an angry man.” This bad situation is bound to tempt us into taking drastic and regrettable action.
“We are all aware of the plan by some Nigerians to vent their anger on the government by agreeing to a national protest or shutdown. I must admit that in view of certain policies and long standing national issues, the government should take the blame for some of the problems affecting our Nation.
“However, we as Nigerians must examine our actions in the face of this unfortunate situation to see whether or not we have contributed positively or otherwise in our various walks of life to this situation.
“For this reason, I must warn you against joining the so-called national citizens protest being planned against the government under the guise of advocating for good governance.
“Whereas every Nigerian has the right to complain or protest against bad governance, the language employed by the planners is threatening, divisive and clearly aims at removing a democratically elected Government.
“This action can only worsen the situation and endanger the lives of thousands of people. There is already a Constitutional means of removing a bad government through the ballot box and not brigandage and terrorism. “As you all know, Yorro is a peaceful and hard working nation, with the people engaged in various noble means of livelihood, like farming. Indeed, we are among the largest producers of yams and other food items in Nigeria,” Nyame said.
He maintained that the people of the community are not idling to engage in all types of vices for survival, adding “We have no time to waste in a national protest that can only promote destruction.”
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