Nationwide Protest: Women Group Appeals To Protesters To Choose Dialogue, Shun Destruction

By Akinwale Kasali

A Group, under the aegis of Women for Peace, Security, and Social Inclusion Initiatives, has urged the organizers of the planned August 1 nationwide protest against hunger to seek dialogue with the Federal Government, rather than staging a protest that may be possibly hijacked by miscreants.

The Group said there are potentials for violence to emanate from the protest, which will, at the end, cause harm to innocent citizens.

Tinu Alade-Abiola, Chairperson of the Group, at an event in Abuja on Saturday, emphasized the importance of peace, dialogue, and national unity in addressing the country’s challenges.

Alade-Abiola noted that the planned protest, scheduled to take place from August 1 to August 10, could lead to violence, destruction, and harm to innocent citizens, including women and children.

She urged the protesters to consider the consequences of their actions, and instead engage in dialogue with the government to address their grievances.

She emphatically stressed that the current administration inherited significant challenges and historical traumas, and that patience and understanding are necessary as they work to address these issues.

She also noted that the experiences of past protests, such as the #End SARS protest, have shown that violence and destruction only lead to further suffering and division.

According to her, “Our appeal is strong, and we urge the organizers to seek dialogue instead of protest.

“We all know that no peaceful protest has ever remained peaceful in Nigeria, Africa, and the rest of the world.

“Violent protests and demonstrations only lead to further division and destruction, hindering our progress as a nation and undermining the efforts of those striving for positive change.

“Our actions today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we leave behind a legacy of peace and unity for the younger generations.”

The group also highlighted the impact of violent protests on the country’s economy, healthcare, and law enforcement agencies.