The Third Republic House of Representatives Forum has wondered what the nationwide planned hunger protest on Friday intend to achieve, questioning whether it serves as a tool or merely a means to an end.
They stressed that its significance should not overshadow the ultimate goal of societal improvement.
The lawmakers underscored the importance of prioritizing common interests over divisive issues to facilitate the identification of shared solutions that benefit all individuals.
During their press briefing, the Forum outlined several risks associated with protests in a tense society, including susceptibility to manipulation and exploitation by extremist factions, breakdown of communication and dialogue, and adverse effects on the economy and daily life.
Led by Basil Okafor, the Forum acknowledged the value of protests in a democratic society but stressed the necessity for demonstrations to be conducted responsibly and peacefully.
They emphasized that protests should serve as a pathway to an end goal rather than an end in themselves, urging Nigerians to concentrate on seeking common ground and inclusive solutions.
Drawing attention to the violent outcomes of protests in countries like Kenya and Uganda, the Forum expressed concerns about the potential for similar repercussions in Nigeria.
“To mitigate these risks, they advocated for open and constructive dialogue involving all relevant stakeholders, including the government, protesters, and community leaders.”
The Forum commended the president’s efforts to engage with leaders nationwide and urged protesters to act with caution and refrain from instigating violence.
While peaceful and responsible protests have the capacity to shed light on critical social, political, and economic issues, they must be approached with care in a society already fraught with tension to prevent further division and escalation of conflicts.
