Let protests be civil, obey rule of law–CSOs strategists

CITIZENS COMPASS— The “CSO Strategists”, a pan Nigerian, coalition of civil society groups on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, advised the organisers of #Endbadgovernanceinnigeria to be civil and follow the rule of law.
The nonpartisan but patriotic organisation, also advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address Nigerians over the planned protests.

The Group in a statement made available to Citizens Compass said this was the resolution of its emergency session yesterday, in the Agege area of Lagos State.

It was signed by Alex Omotehinse (CSO Strategists), Centre for Human and Socio-economy Rights, Ahmed Balogun, Frontline Socio-economy Research Centre (Co-convener Director), and WorkBond International Network (WIN).
Others were Network Alliance for Global Challenge, Good Governance for the masses, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy, Lawyers Without Borders, Abuja, Youth Initiative Agenda for Democratic Process, Southwest People Parliamentary Agenda, Peace Initiative For Better Nigeria, Boarders People’s Rights Agenda and Youth League Academy.

The statement calls on leaders across the nooks and crannies of the country to review the state of the nation, with particular emphasis on the planned protests scheduled for 1st to 10th. August, 2024.

The group while conceding that the right to protest is universally recognized under constitutional democracy all over the world, cautioned the organisers to be conscious of the fact that this must be exercised within the ambit of the law, must be civil, and, must not infringe on the rights and privileges of other citizens.

“The CSOs Strategists observed with grave concerns that a combination of organizations have been spreading information on social media and other networks on the resolve to embark on protest, tagged:-
#End Hunger
#END BAD GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA

“It is noted that this Campaign has a lot of similitudes with protests that have degenerated into mass fiascos, mayhem, and chaos in the past. It noted with worry, the congregation of several forces with manifestly, sole but hidden aim to pull down the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by any means necessary. These include Oil and Gas, Banking and Finance ( Forex to be specific), Agriculture, and Food Supply Chains, as well as those fuelling extortive, hyperinflation.

“ Nigeria is abundantly blessed with minerals and natural resources. The question is, what are we doing against internal saboteurs, acting to perpetually cripple the nation?

“The CSO strategists, equally call on President Tinubu to urgently address the country in a National Broadcast, noting that we are at a moment in history when silence is not golden. The address would afford the President, a rare opportunity to connect with citizens, empathize with their plights, further explain the objectives of the reforms, and appeal for understanding and support.

“We also unequivocally call on APC led Federal Government under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to find a lasting solution to Insecurity, increment in food products and problem facing oil and gas sector by fixing oil refinery.”