Nigerians have been cautioned to refrain from protesting ahead of the 1st October Independence Day celebration. This was conveyed at a press conference organized today in Abuja by civil societies. Addressing newsmen, Mr. Adams Otakwu, Chairperson of the Conference of Civil Societies and Coordinator of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), urged Nigerians to avoid violence and embrace peace ahead of planned protests. He expressed concerns about the potential for unrest, pointing to the violent protests of August 1, 2024, which resulted in loss of life and destruction of property.
Otakwu warned that Nigeria could face similar turmoil as seen in countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, and Congo if protests are allowed to spiral out of control. “We must not let violence take root in our country. The experiences of these nations show us the devastation that comes from unchecked conflict,” he said.
Mr. Joseph Odeh, Executive Director of Leadwatch, also appealed for caution, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over protest. “Protests often start peacefully but can turn violent in an instant. Dialogue is a much safer and more effective way to resolve our issues,” Odeh remarked.
Mr. David Acheme, Executive Director of Community Initiative for Transparency, urged citizens to choose peaceful solutions. “Violence is not the answer. We need to come together and engage in meaningful conversations to address the problems we face,” Acheme stated.
Madam Walter Elisabeth, President of Global Safe Haven Organisation, closed the event by calling for national solidarity. “This is a time for unity, not division. Let us come together in peace and work towards a better future for all Nigerians,” she urged.
The Director of Inspired Education Network, Mr. Alfa Enejoh equally enjoined citizens to shun violence and embrace dialogue in the overall interest of National Security and development.
The press conference concluded with all speakers calling for calm, emphasizing that dialogue and national unity are crucial to maintaining peace and security in Nigeria.
Below is the full statement:
PRESS STATEMENT
(30th September, 2024)
PLANNED PROTEST – A Call for Calm and Dialogue in the Overall Interest of National Security
The recent protest on 1st August 2024, which tragically escalated into violence after being hijacked by thugs, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property, serves as a stark reminder of the adverse consequences of protests. As we face challenging times, we must not allow our grievances to be exploited by bandits or groups seeking to destabilize our nation. Peaceful expression of concerns is essential, but we must remain vigilant in ensuring that such expressions do not give way to chaos and lawlessness.
The experiences of nations like Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, and Congo provide sobering lessons on how protests can spiral into conflict when not carefully managed. What began as calls for change in these countries devolved into prolonged violence and instability, ultimately wrecking their economies, institutions, and social fabrics. We must take these examples seriously and choose the path of peace, dialogue, and national solidarity to safeguard the future of our country.
In the overall interest of national security, we urge all citizens to remain calm and support efforts to maintain peace and order. Let us stand together as one nation, committed to resolving our differences through dialogue and peaceful means, while strengthening the bonds that unite us. National security is a shared responsibility, and in these times of uncertainty, we must choose dialogue over protests
Adams Otakwu
Chairperson – Conference of Civil Societies, and Coordinator – Civil Military Cooperation (CIMICO)
