The Federal Government and security agencies have been advised by the Ijaw National Congress to exercise caution in their responses to the nationwide protest planned to be held between Aug.1 and Aug.10, 2024.
Speaking at a news conference tagged “State of the Nation: What the Federal Government Should Do” in Abuja on Saturday, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, INC, said that the Federal Government should guide against inflammatory rhetoric and heavy-handed tactics, which could exacerbate tensions and plunge the nation into chaos.
He said, “As our nation teeters on the brink of a proposed protest amidst unprecedented national hardship, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) urges the Federal Government and security agencies to exercise extreme caution in their responses to the agitations.
“We advise against inflammatory rhetoric and heavy-handed tactics, which could exacerbate tensions and plunge our nation into chaos.
“We equally advise all Nigerians; a peace protest is not criminal in as much as we all play according to the rules and regulations guiding such civil demonstrations.”
Speaking further, he noted, “From political instability to economic hardship, security threats, social inequality, environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, corruption, and governance issues, Nigeria is facing a myriad of complex problems.
“These problems require immediate attention, pragmatic policies and actions by all in and out of government.
“This proposed protest and its consequences are avoidable if only the government takes urgent steps to faithfully address the root causes of the multifarious challenges we face as a nation.
“The root causes are principally that of energy scarcity and expensiveness and the astronomical hike in the cost of basic amenities like foods, housing, transportation, security, health care services and water.
“The application of brute force or any oppressive measures will only aggravate the present level of oppression and repression.”
Advocating for transparency and accountability in governance, social justice and equality for all Nigerians, he said, “The Federal Government should also ensure security and justice for all, engage in a heart-to-heart conversation with Nigerians, reduce the cost of governance, promote fiscal federalism, diversify the economy, address environmental degradation, tackle corruption among others.
“However, we urge all Nigerians especially the Ijaws and Niger Delta region where the brunt of national hardship is felt to remain peaceful and law-abiding even in the midst of the planned protest if it must hold.
“We also urge all Nigerians to come together, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation, to work towards a brighter future for our nation.’’
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