A women’s group, Women for Peace, Security, and Social Inclusion Initiatives, has appealed to organizers of a planned nationwide protest to seek dialogue instead of protest, citing the potential for violence and harm to innocent citizens.
The group’s appeal came as concerns grow about the potential for violence and unrest during the planned protest.
The group’s chairperson, Tinu Alade-Abiola, made the appeal at an event in Abuja on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of peace, dialogue, and national unity in addressing the country’s challenges.
Alade-Abiola noted that the planned protest, scheduled to take place from August 1 to August 10, could lead to violence, destruction, and harm to innocent citizens, including women and children.
She urged the protesters to consider the consequences of their actions and instead engage in dialogue with the government to address their grievances.
Alade-Abiola emphasized that the current administration has inherited significant challenges and historical traumas, and that patience and understanding are necessary as they work to address these issues.
She also noted that the experiences of past protests, such as the End SARS protest, have shown that violence and destruction only lead to further suffering and division.
According to her, “Our appeal is strong, and we urge the organizers to seek dialogue instead of protest.
“We all know that no peaceful protest has ever remained peaceful in Nigeria, Africa, and the rest of the world.
“Violent protests and demonstrations only lead to further division and destruction, hindering our progress as a nation and undermining the efforts of those striving for positive change.
“Our actions today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we leave behind a legacy of peace and unity for the younger generations.”
The group also highlighted the impact of violent protests on the country’s economy, healthcare, and law enforcement agencies.
Vice President of the group, Felix Idowu, explained that the event was organized to address the planned protest and find peaceful solutions to the concerns of the protesters.
The event featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at understanding the root causes of the planned protest and exploring viable solutions.
Representatives from various sectors, including government, civil society, and affected communities, attended the event to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue.
