Prior to the scheduled nationwide protest on August 1, ex-militants belonging to the “Akwa Ibom Ex-Agitators Forum” have issued a cautionary message to the youth in the state, advising against participating in the planned demonstration.
They expressed concerns that the protest posed a threat to the current peace in the state and could lead to counterproductive outcomes.
During a press briefing in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, the forum’s chairman, Alban Paulinus, revealed that the group had deployed members labeled as “anti-protesters” at strategic locations within the state. Their primary objective is to safeguard public infrastructure and prevent any potential acts of vandalism or looting.
In his statement, he emphasized the group’s stance: “We outrightly reject vague protests. As the Akwa Ibom Ex-Agitators Forum, we strongly assert that Akwa Ibom State is known for peace, and we will not permit any unknown faction to disrupt the tranquil environment that we cherish here.
“If there arises a necessity for protest, it is our responsibility in Akwa Ibom to express dissent. However, we opt not to protest at this time because our own, the Senate President, holds a significant position. We advise the Akwa Ibom residents to stay resolute and not succumb to any anonymous protest. Carry on with your regular activities.
“During this crucial period, orchestrating a protest could be detrimental and endanger public serenity. Instead, we urge the authorities to tackle the pertinent issues of hunger and enhance the living standards of our people. We advocate for peace and stability in our state and our country. While acknowledging the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, we underscore the importance of constructive dialogue and cooperation with the government to devise sustainable solutions.”
In addition, he conveyed: “By encouraging our youth to steer clear of the planned protests, our aim is to avert potential violence and advocate for a more peaceful method to tackle the economic challenges in our nation.
“As former agitators in the quest to build a Niger Delta we can be proud of, we vehemently caution against any acts of violence, looting, or theft under the guise of protest. Looting must be condemned. Our members are presently mobilized across the state to safeguard our infrastructure. These public assets belong to all Akwa Ibom indigenes and were constructed using our resources. Hence, no one should target any office, public establishment, or government infrastructure. Our forum members are stationed throughout the state ready to defend our public facilities with utmost dedication.”
Urging Nigerians to exhibit patience with President Bola Tinubu, he highlighted that one year is insufficient to construct a nation.
Explaining why Akwa Ibom refuses to partake in the protest, Johnson Solomon, the group’s secretary, remarked: “When we voiced our grievances regarding marginalization, our pleas fell on deaf ears, and now you expect us to cooperate for the protest. We decline. We, from the Niger Delta, are mobilizing against the faceless group tomorrow as anti-protesters.”
Emmanuel Essang, the chairman of Obollo Youths, asserted: “The era of taking to the streets is over, and we are now in an age of intellectual warfare. The president has acknowledged the desires of Nigerians, and he will address them. Remember, Rome was not built in a day.”