The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) in Oyo State has called on sponsors of the planned nationwide protest slated for August to embrace other civil means of expressing their grievances to the government.
IAWPA also appealed to all stakeholders in the Nigerian project to champion advocacy for peace and intensify efforts towards enlightening the youths on the downside of “unorganised mass protests.”
This was contained in a statement in Ibadan by the state director of the association, Ambassador Muhammadu-Lawal Musa Alongbija, against the backdrop of reports on social and conventional media about the planned protest.
IAWPA suggested open dialogue, discussions, and engagement with government officials, saying that President Bola Tinubu is a listening leader who is committed to delivering good governance through the Renewed Hope mantra.
The association pleaded with parents and guardians to impress on their children, especially the youths, that peace is indispensable for a functional life, hence the need for them to dissociate themselves from kangaroo protests” and other renegade acts.”
It said, “Peace is precious and priceless. It is a natural gift to humans to exist, maintain, and sustain comfortable lifestyles and for progress and development to be achieved in society.
According to IAWPA, it is instructive “to remind ourselves as patriots” that peace, which the association is primarily concerned with, “is as important as the air, and any nation where peace is absent will witness agony, frustration, and instability.”
Violent and unorganised protests, the association said, “are antithetical to the tenets of democracy, and Nigeria cannot afford a descent into anarchy after more than 25 years of civilian administrations.”
It cautioned the youths against inducements that could turn them into pawns in the hands of sponsors of insurrection.
IAWPA also appealed to Nigerians to refrain from passing inflammatory remarks and making hurtful comments against the administration of President Tinubu, but rather pray for him to steer the nation to greater heights.
It implored security agencies to step up their intelligence with a view to adequately securing flashpoints, public institutions, and infrastructure across the country to avoid a repeat of property destruction in the aftermath of #EndSARS.
IAWPA, which pointed out that the planned protest is an indication that Nigerians are suffering, advised the Federal Government to banish hardships and make life meaningful for the citizenry by putting in place masses-oriented policies and programmes.
“Security of lives and property is the primary function of government. The Federal Government should ensure adequate protection of the sanctity of human lives,” the association said.
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