By Chukwuemeka Umesi
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The Southeast Governors have advised against the planned nationwide protest on August 1, citing concerns about the fragile political environment and potential hijacking by criminal elements
After meeting with President Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodinma addressing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. accompanied by, Former Senate President Pius Anyim, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru. The Southeast Governors are concerned
that the planned protest on August 1 may not be the best timing, given the global economic situation. The world is facing economic challenges, and Nigeria is not immune to these issues. The governors might be worried that the protest could exacerbate the economic situation. Fragile political environment, Nigeria’s political landscape is already delicate, and the governors might fear that the protest could destabilize the situation further, leading to unintended consequences.
The governors are cautioning that the protest might not be the most effective way to address the issues, and that alternative solutions should be explored. They fear that the protest may be hijacked by criminal elements, similar to what happened during the EndSARS protests. The governors question the motives and organization behind the planned protests, stating that the reasons for the protests have not been clearly disclosed.
They are questioning the true intentions behind the protests, suggesting that the organizers’ goals may not be entirely genuine or transparent. Hope Uzodinma the chairman of the southeast governors’ point out that the specific reasons for the protests have not been clearly articulated, making it difficult to understand what the organizers hope to achieve.
The protests lack a clear leadership structure or organizational framework, which could lead to chaos or unintended consequences. Protests are allowed in a democracy the governor recognizes the right to protest as an essential aspect of democratic expression, but Protests should be reasonably conceived, He’s emphasizing that protests should be well-thought-out, logical, and aimed at achieving a specific, sensible goal.
In essence, Governor Uzodinma is saying that while protests are a legitimate means of expression, they should be organized and focused on making a meaningful point, rather than being merely emotive or disruptive. He’s encouraging protesters to ensure their actions are constructive and aimed at bringing about positive change.
He suggest that instead of protests, citizens should engage with the government to address specific issues and also citizens should interact with government officials, agencies, Senators or representatives of there various state and constituencies to discuss their concerns encourage citizens to focus on particular problems or challenges they face, rather than resorting to general protests.
The government has urged the organizers to postpone the protests and allow the administration more time to implement programs that will benefit the people
Leaders from North and Southern regions have appealed to the youths to reconsider their plans, highlighting that meaningful progress is never achieved through violent protests or unrest despite the pleas, some student associations have declared their intention to join the protest, citing the government’s lack of adequate palliatives to cushion the effects of the economic hardship.