Suggesting an alternative approach, former Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Mr. Mike Okiro has recommended that the organizers of the upcoming nationwide protest should halt their arrangements and opt for a dialogue with the federal government, as he expressed his thoughts in an interview with NAN in Abuja on Tuesday.
Okiro acknowledged that Nigerians constitutionally reserve the right to protest against inadequate governance and leadership, emphasizing that despite the prevailing challenges, it is easier to cause destruction than to rebuild.
Reflecting on the current state of affairs, Okiro raised the question of whether it is feasible to reconstruct what took time to deteriorate within a single year.
He cautioned that protests inevitably lead to loss of life, destruction of property, and increased adversity, advocating for a more patient approach towards the government to mitigate the hardships being experienced.
Asserting the need to allow the government sufficient time to implement measures that alleviate the populace’s suffering, Okiro stressed that the administration should craft policies conducive to national development.
Addressing the inherited challenges, the former chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) acknowledged the government’s efforts in resolving these issues and highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s competence in effecting positive change.
Okiro emphasized the importance of perseverance and prudent decision-making to navigate the complexities of governance, cautioning against the potentially destructive consequences of hastily organizing protests.
He underscored the necessity for substantial investments in productive sectors to generate employment opportunities for the youth and enhance foreign exchange earnings for the nation.
Citing concerns about economic stability, Okiro urged the Federal Government to prioritize supporting local rice farmers to enhance production instead of resorting to imports, a practice that could undermine the nation’s fragile economy.