Security experts, under the umbrella of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies have urged those planning the August 1 national protest to reconsider and shelve the protest to avoid plunging the country into anarchy.
In a statement issued on Thursday by AANISS President, Chief Mike Ejiofor, the security experts expressed concern about the current socio-economic challenges and hardship faced by Nigerians. They acknowledged the federal government’s efforts to alleviate these challenges but noted their deep consternation regarding the planned protest.
The statement read, “The AANISS is deeply concerned about the current socio-economic challenges and hardship being faced by Nigerians and wishes to identify and express its sympathy with fellow citizens.
“As a responsible association, we acknowledge the federal government’s efforts to alleviate these challenges and bring succour to the people.”
However, the experts feared that the protest could be hijacked by unpatriotic elements, leading to a breakdown in peace and security, as seen during the #ENSARS protest.
“While peaceful protest is a right and legitimate as provided in the laws of the land, particularly in a democracy, we fear that it could be hijacked by unpatriotic elements, potentially leading to a breakdown in peace and security, as demonstrated during our recent experience of the ENSARS protest which is still very fresh in our memory when innocent lives and valuable properties of government and individuals were lost and destroyed,” the statement continued.
The experts urged those concerned to reconsider the protest and allow the government to address the issues raised. They appreciated the government’s initiatives, such as the new minimum wage, student loan, and food provisions, but called for more urgent action to address the escalating socio-economic hardship.
“In the larger national interest, we urge all concerned to reconsider the idea of protest, shelve it and allow government to address the issues raised in the ultimate interest of the generality of the populace.
“Let’s work together to find peaceful solutions to our nation’s challenges,” the statement concluded.
