The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution is cautioning Nigerians to reconsider the planned nationwide protest.
Scheduled from August 1 to 10, various groups and individuals have been organizing the protest in response to the economic challenges facing the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Director General Joseph Ochogwu, the Institute highlighted that the hardships being faced in Nigeria are not exclusive to the country. Therefore, citizens are being urged to be careful to prevent worsening the already delicate situation.
Ochogwu mentioned, “IPCR has issued a timely call for calm and restraint in anticipation of the planned protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”
The Institute appealed to Civil Society Groups and organizers involved in the planned protests to acknowledge that while the nation is going through tough times, which is a global phenomenon, caution must be exercised to avoid escalating the already fragile situation in the country.
Ochogwu expressed concerns that if the protests proceed, they could lead to disunity and undermine the president’s efforts towards a renewed hopeful agenda.
“IPCR urges citizens to refrain from stoking division and interrupting the fragile peace currently being experienced amidst insecurity,” Ochogwu remarked.
Emphasizing the need for thoughtful responses to the ongoing challenges, the Institute noted that any actions causing disruption to peace would be detrimental, particularly considering President Tinubu’s agenda for rekindling the nation’s prospects.
The warnings from IPCR signal that protests might hinder the progress in tackling the country’s issues.
“While protests are a constitutional right, they can sometimes be counterproductive if not well thought out. The Institute cautions that in this instance, protests could derail efforts aimed at addressing the nation’s problems,” Ochogwu explained.
Highlighting the importance of unity and collective effort during these challenging times, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution advocates for a strategic and constructive approach in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the nation.