IPCR warns against nationwide protest

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution has urged Nigerians to shelve the proposed nationwide protest.

Various groups and individuals have been organising a nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to 10 in response to the economic hardships in the country.

But the Institute in a statement on Wednesday by its Director General, Joseph Ochogwu said the hardship experienced in the country is not unique to Nigeria, urging citizens to exercise caution to avoid exacerbating the already precarious situation.

Ochogwu said, “IPCR has issued a timely call for calm and restraint, ahead of the planned protests against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Institute calls on Civil Society Groups, organisers, and other bodies involved in the planned protests to note that, although the nation is facing hard times – a situation not unique to Nigeria, as the world at large is grappling with a global economic crisis – this requires caution to avoid inflaming the already precarious situation in the country.”

He stated that the protest if not shelved could cause disunity and jeopardise the president’s renewed hope agenda.

Ochogwu said, “IPCR urges citizens to avoid fanning the flames of disunity and disrupting the fragile peace currently enjoyed amidst insecurity.

“This wise counsel comes at a critical juncture, as protests at this point could jeopardise the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Institute’s cautionary statement serves as a reminder that hasty actions can have unintended consequences.

“By urging restraint, the Institute acknowledges the need for measured responses to the current challenges.

Highlighting the delicate nature of the current situation, IPCR notes that any actions that could disrupt this peace would be counterproductive, especially when considered in the context of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. This agenda, aimed at revitalising the nation’s prospects, requires a stable environment to succeed.”

Ochogwu stated that the Institute’s warning indicates that protests could disrupt efforts to address the nation’s challenges.

He said, “Protests, while a fundamental right, can sometimes be counterproductive if not carefully considered. In this case, the Institute’s warning suggests that protests could disorganise the efforts aimed at addressing the nation’s challenges. By cautioning against fanning the ember of crisis and disunity, the Institute emphasises the need for unity and collective effort in navigating these difficult times.

“In essence, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution is advocating for a thoughtful and strategic approach to addressing the nation’s challenges. By urging calm and restraint, the Institute encourages citizens to prioritise constructive engagement and collaboration, rather than resorting to actions that could undermine the fragile peace.”