Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, has urged Nigerians to reconsider their position on the nationwide protest which commenced on August 1, 2024, and is expected to last for 10 days.
Senator Dariye told newsmen that the plea became necessary considering the violence that broke out in some states where hoodlums and criminal elements hijacked the peaceful protest, thereby vandalizing and looting property belonging to innocent citizens and the government.
He mentioned that the protest, which was aimed at driving home some demands on the government, is beginning to take on a different dimension, which, if allowed, may not augur well for the unity and peace of the nation.
“The peace and security of innocent citizens and their property must be put into consideration. Citizens can peacefully protest and make genuine agitations as provided for by the Constitution, but such protests and agitations must be done while prioritizing the unity, peace, and prosperity of the country.”
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He, however, frowned at how criminal elements are taking advantage of the protest to perpetrate violence and loot the assets of citizens and the government. He charged the government at all levels, employers of labor, and elected/appointed officials to come up with deliberate policies, programs, and activities that will have a direct impact on the people and the nation at large.
According to him, the issues raised by the protesters should be carefully attended to with the hope of addressing them and putting the protest to rest completely.
“Nigerians need to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is working towards stimulating economic growth, attracting development, and bettering the lives of the people. It is on record that the President met numerous challenges ranging from economics to security and others, which Nigerians are very aware of, but he is making concerted efforts to address the same.”
He further urged security agencies to deploy their personnel to flashpoints and ensure that hoodlums are not allowed to unleash terror and loot the assets of the people and the government.
Senator Dariye admonished the citizens to protest within the ambit of the law and pray for the unity, peace, and progress of the nation.
