The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has urged the Nigerian government to set a clear timeframe for addressing citizens’ grievances rather than merely attempting to suppress protests.
Comrade Rafsanjani gave the charge via a statement made available to the Sunday Tribune, which specifically emphasised the need for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take decisive action on pressing issues such as inflation, unemployment, corruption, insecurity, and the erosion of institutional integrity.
Comrade Rafisanjani, who doubles as Head of Transparency International Nigeria, said: “Inflation, unemployment, corruption, and insecurity are critical challenges that need urgent attention.
“The integrity of our institutions is in question, and it is imperative to restore trust and confidence so that citizens can once again believe in their country.”
The CISLAC helmsman also urged the government to safeguard the rights of protesters, highlighting that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in Nigeria.
“Protesters must be protected. This is a democratic right, and the government should ensure their safety. The protests should not be framed along religious, ethnic, and political lines; rather, the government at all levels should listen to and address the genuine concerns of the people,” he added.
He also underscored the need for local and state governments to leverage their influence to resolve issues constructively rather than exert undue pressure on protesters, which could provoke further unrest.
“Addressing the issues raised is crucial. The government must set a clear timeframe for resolving these problems instead of merely attempting to halt protests or arresting those who want to protest,” Rafsanjani emphasised.
He, however, warned against the military’s involvement in handling domestic issues, which should be the responsibility of the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“The military should not assume the role of the police in domestic matters. Professionalism and restraint are essential to avoiding escalating tensions,” Rafsanjani cautioned.
The organisation also calls on protesters to remain responsible and vigilant against individuals seeking to exploit the protests for negative purposes.
“Protesters must remain peaceful and vigilant. The police should protect them and ensure the protest does not escalate due to the actions of those with malicious intentions,” he noted.
In the same vein, Comrade Rafisanjani called for comprehensive measures to address the issues at hand, allowing citizens to freely express their opinions on government actions.
“In a democratic setting, every individual should have the right to express their views on government performance. President Bola Tinubu, himself a product of protest, should understand and respect this right.
“CISLAC stands firmly with the citizens in their right to peaceful protest and calls on the government to act with urgency and responsibility in addressing the concerns raised by Nigerians. It has also called on governments at both state and national levels to release those who have been arrested for expressing their desire to join peaceful protest for a positive change.”
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