Executive Director of the International Organisation for Peace Building and Social Justice (PSJ), Mr. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa, has implored the federal government to stop demonizing those behind the protest scheduled for August 1st. Instead, he urges the government to focus on alleviating the hardships that may have driven people to the streets.
Speaking with newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, Durkwa stated that the call for the protest arises from the deep and pervasive suffering Nigerians are enduring due to poor governance. He emphasized that the protest is a justifiable response to the untold hardships faced by Nigerians daily.
“It is a constitutional right of the people to voice their grievances through peaceful protest, and it is a vital tool for strengthening governance and ensuring accountability. Protests have historically played a significant role in shaping societies for the better.
“They serve as a powerful means for citizens to express their discontent and demand change. A peaceful protest can highlight issues that may otherwise be overlooked or ignored by those in power.
The Executive Director of PSJ, who advocates for a non-violent protest, described it as a democratic instrument that underscores the will of the people and calls for responsive and responsible governance.
He mentioned that it is the government’s duty to protect the rights of its citizens, including the right to protest, and called upon security agencies to ensure the safety and protection of all protesters.
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Durkwa also disclosed that the intelligence community has reportedly uncovered plans by certain individuals to hijack the peaceful protest and turn it violent. He urged that those responsible for such plans be apprehended and brought to justice.
“It is crucial that the authorities take proactive measures to prevent any attempts to disrupt the peaceful nature of this protest. Protesters, for their part, should develop strategies to protect themselves from hoodlums and thugs who might be induced to disband the protest.
“It is important to remain vigilant and organized, ensuring that the protest remains peaceful and focused on its core message. The purpose of this protest is not to incite violence or create chaos but to demand a better Nigeria for all its citizens.”
According to him, the protest is about holding leaders accountable and pushing for the desperately needed change, as well as calling for justice, equity, and improved governance.
He cautioned politicians in opposition, elites, and religious leaders to desist from manipulating the people by exploiting religion, ethnicity, and regional sentiments for their own gain, adding that such divisive tactics only serve to deepen existing fractures within society, distracting from the core issues that need urgent attention.
He said, “It is evident that the populace is enduring severe hardship and is in desperate need of a better quality of life. The demands of the masses are modest and reasonable, rooted in the fundamental right to live with dignity and security.
“It is incumbent upon those in positions of influence and power to address these needs genuinely and promptly, rather than perpetuating discord for political or personal advantage.
The urgency to address the systemic problems cannot be overstated. The longer we delay in finding and implementing effective solutions, the more perilous the situation becomes.”
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