Protest: Avoid A Repeat Of EndSARS, Kwara Forum Warns

Kwara State Consultative Civil Society Forum (KSCCF) has warned against the planned nationwide protest, saying its outcome will likely repeat the ugly “EndSARS”.

The coalition called for constructive dialogue, advocacy and community engagement to address the country’s challenges.

The convener of KSCCF, Mrs Hauwa Balogun, who led top officials of the forum at a media briefing in Ilorin, the state capital, said the country could not again afford to experience the large-scale destruction that characterized the “EndSARS” protest.

She declared that her group would not be a party to the protest, calling for caution.
She recalled that while many innocent people were cut down in their prime, businesses worth billions of naira were also not spared, resulting in job losses during the EndSARS protest.

Balogun explained that even though the forum shared citizens’ concerns on the lingering hardship in the land, protest cannot be the last resort to ventilate grievances.

She noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and other measures taken by the government compounded the economic situation but called for roundtable discussions to arrive at workable solutions.

The convener urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the nation and provide leadership to the people at this critical moment.

“The Kwara State Consultative Civil Society Forum (KSCCF), after its emergency meeting of all the heads of civil society groups in Kwara State under our forum, distanced themselves from the plan to ‘End Bad Governance Protest’ in Kwara State.

“While we share the concerns of many Nigerians about the need for good governance and accountable leadership, as well as a reduction in fuel price, goods, and services, we must correct the misleading narrative that our organisations are involved in the planned protest. As bad examples from the ‘END SARS’ protest in Lagos and Ilorin suffice.

“We reiterate our commitment to holding our leaders and government accountable for the well-being of the people. We believe in promoting positive change through constructive dialogue, advocacy, and community engagement for the overall interest of Kwarans.

“We urge all stakeholders to work together toward a more prosperous and just society, and we remain dedicated to speaking for the citizenry,” Balogun said.