Why Nigerians Should Reevaluate Protest – YGC

Yoruba Global Council, YGC, a Diaspora-based Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has called on Nigerians to postpone the August 1, 2024, planned nationwide protest known as “EndBadGovernment.”

Following its monthly virtual meeting, which was well-represented by more than 60 members from Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia, the YGC made this announcement.

Although peaceful protests are a civic and constitutional right and a means for citizens to demand better governance, the YGC warned that the upcoming protest may disrupt government operations at a sensitive time. The statement was made by the organization’s General-Secretary and Director, Mobilization and Public Engagement, Prince Segun Akanni and Otunba Tunji Akinyele.

The statement reads: “In the light of this, YGC is appealing to Nigerians and those preparing for the protest to grant the government more time to enact changes and strive towards making Nigeria great again.

“The group reminds Nigerians of the adverse effects of protests, particularly recalling the events during the “EndSars” protest. They highlighted how some unscrupulous elements exploited the situation to loot personal properties and vandalize government properties, such as burning down BRT buses in Lagos and vandalization of many government infrastructures across the country. To prevent a recurrence of such events, YGC urges Nigerians to reconsider their proposed protest.

“While protest is a constitutional right, it should remain peaceful. “Initiating conflict is easy, but managing its aftermath is challenging. We cite the ongoing situation in Kenya as an example where initial peaceful demonstrations escalated into violence, leading to appeals for government intervention to restore normalcy.

“We respectfully call Nigerians to embrace dialogue, and encourage the government to engage the stakeholders, such as traditional leaders, religious leaders, political leaders and eminent personalities for a robust discussion to end the ongoing hardships faced by Nigerian. Development can only thrive in a peaceful environment, let us all be united and collectively tackle the prevailing economic hardship confronting Nigeria.

“More efforts must be made and more measures should be taken to improve the current situation of Nigerians. We believe that President Tinubu is committed to the ongoing reforms and should be supported by all well-meaning Nigerians, both at home and in diaspora.

“YGC advises the government of President Bola Tinubu to prioritize policies that positively impact the masses. They commended Tinubu’s bold steps over decision to fight for the financial autonomy of local governments in the country and urged him to allow INEC to conduct local government elections instead of state governments.

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