Planned August 1 Protest May Truncate Democracy, Onitiri Warns …Pleads With Organisers To Dialogue With Govt

Renowned socio-political activist and critic, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, has expressed fears and concerns that the planned August 1 national protest might be hijacked by army of hoodlums and truncate Nigeria’ present nascent democracy.

Onitiri expressed the fears in strongly-worded Press Statement issued in Lagos yesterday, cautioning that the security, economic and political situation in the country did not give room for any public protest but dialogue. 

He explained that Nigerian Democrats appreciate the feelings, hunger, pathetic security and economic situation in the country affecting every household.

 But the situation in the country called for serious caution and carefulness, stressing: “Our youths should be guardians of our democracy, involving more in nation building  and not unproductive national protests, he stated.

Speaking proverbially, Onitiri said when a child is cutting a tree in the forest, an elder will be watching which direction it will fall, hence the need for caution about the planned protest. 

“We Democrats wish to implore our youths to get more involved in Nation building instead of unproductive protests. The YOUTHS are the work force of the nation. They are the nation’s productive sector and wheel.”

Onitiri paid a glowing tribute to the Nigerian youths for their patience and understanding, stressing that the Federal Government should not be blamed for the situation in the country. We should all cooperate and find solutions to our inherited problems which he noted, the government was doing its best to resolve.

The socio-political activist remarked: “Youths of every nation are expected to play vital roles in nation-building. Their contributions are essential for a country’s technological development and progress.”

Some of the key roles youths can play include:

1. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Youths can bring new ideas and energy to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

2. _Leadership and Governance: Youths can participate in politics and take leadership roles to bring fresh perspectives and drive positive change.

3. Social mobilization and Activism: Youths can mobilize and advocate for social causes, promoting justice, equality, and human rights.

4. Education and Skills Development: Youths can acquire skills and knowledge to drive technological advancement and economic growth.

5. Community development and Volunteerism: Youths can engage in community service and volunteerism, promoting social cohesion and community development.

6. Cultural preservation and promotion; Youths can preserve and promote their cultural heritage, contributing to national identity and diversity.

7. Environmental conservation: Youths can lead efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

8. Peacebuilding and conflict resolution: Youths can play a key role in promoting peace and resolving conflicts, ensuring national stability and security.

“By empowering and engaging youths, nations can tap into their creativity, energy, and idealism, driving positive change and building a brighter future,” Onitiri added. 

Onitiri emphasised that Nigeria presently desperately needed the youths to build up our nation and help her get out of our economic quagmire.  It is better to jawjaw than to warwar. 

He said from what every Nigerian could see, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is already addressing many of the economic problems. 

Besides, he is trying to put in place solutions to solve the problems. These problems, he noted, were not caused by Tinubu.

“We need to give him time and cooperate with him to solve the problems.  No doubt the roads are bumpy but this is the price we need to pay.

 “This Federal Government is a listening government and very receptive to the yearnings and aspirations of her citizens,” Onitiri observed. 

Finally, Onitiri urged our Youths to go into politics, agriculture, sports, entrepreneurship and various professions and take control.This is not the time for violent protest.

 “We counsel all patriotic Lagosians to say ‘NO’ to violent protest but opt for dialogue with the government.”