“Your Anger Is Justified, But Protests Can Lead Us To Destruction” – Aare Musulumi Pleads

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“While our grievances are undoubtedly valid and our demand for effective governance is both justifiable and urgent ,we must contemplate whether prolonged protests alone will lead us to the enduring solutions we desperately seek”

The above were  the fatherly admonitions of the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba in Kano, Dr Surajudeen Adewuyi Muhammad, to the organizers of the August 1 nationwide protest on Tuesday July 30 2024.

In a statement he personally signed, the Aare urged the country’s youths to reconsider their strategy in the light of the looming danger that the planned protest may precipitate.

According to him, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture as the countdown begins towards the nationwide protests.

He noted that there is a swell of frustration among youths, echoing from every corner of the nation, all bearing testimony to their profound dissatisfaction with the current state of governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“This discontent is further compounded by a relentless economic downturn that has inflicted severe hardship on ordinary Nigerians, driving up the cost of living to unprecedented levels.

“However, while our grievances are undoubtedly valid, and demand for effective governance is both justifiable and urgent, we must contemplate whether prolonged protests alone will lead us to the enduring solutions we desperately seek,” Dr Muhammad stated.

He further emphasized that protests, though an undeniable reflection of public discontent and powerful call for a change, carry inherent risks capable of heightening tensions to even a perilous extremes.

“History bears witness to instances across Africa, where well-intentioned protests, initially peaceful in nature, tragically descended into chaos .

From Egypt’s Tahir Square to recent upheavals in the Sudan, these movements, though born out of noble intentions left in their tails monumental loss of lives and properties.

“Rather than solely relying on protests, we should embrace a strategy of constructive engagement. It is crucial we explore alternative channels towards the quest for substantive and sustainable change”, he pleaded.

The Aare Musulumi of Yoruba in Kano, also, tasked President Tinubu to take all necessary, but legitimate actions  to address the prevailing excruciating economic challenges facing the country.

He noted that “leaders must ensure that the voices of the people, and their aspirations must be the defining templates for governance at all levels in Nigeria”.

Dr Muhammad appealed to the people to give the Government more time to address their concerns,. He warned that rather than solving the problem, protest will aggravate the situation if hijacked by hoodlums.

The Aare insisted that fostering constructive  dialogue and proactive engagement will assist the country to navigate its present challenges.