Urging the organizers of the upcoming #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest, the Nigerian Bar Association has requested to reconsider and call it off.
In a statement made on Monday, NBA president Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) called on the government, the organizers, and the supporters of the protest to engage in a sincere discussion to address the current situation for the betterment of all citizens.
Maikyau highlighted the history of mass protests in the country being exploited by criminal elements who use the opportunity to carry out unlawful activities.
Expressing concerns that the planned protest may follow a similar pattern as previous ones, he warned of potential civil unrest that could escalate the current challenges faced by the masses.
He made an appeal to Nigerians, especially those planning to participate in the street protest, to rethink their actions and consider the potential consequences on security, economy, and overall existence.
Highlighting the risk of the protest being infiltrated by troublemakers leading to violence, he emphasized the need to avert civil unrest and chaos that could result, similar to war-torn nations.
Therefore, he urged the government, organizers, and supporters of the protest to halt the demonstration and engage in constructive discussions to address the people’s challenges promptly.
Suggesting regular government-citizen interactions with specific action timelines, he called for immediate engagement by National and State Houses of Assembly with constituents to address public demands.
Furthermore, he urged the government to implement viable strategies to revive the economy and address the prevalent insecurity causing hunger and poverty in the nation.
Addressing the issue of corruption contributing to the nation’s current state, he emphasized the importance of focusing on revamping the economy and enhancing security measures.
He emphasized the need for informed investments in the security sector, as highlighted in his previous communication to President Bola Tinubu on June 12, 2023.
Proposing a National Security Summit involving military, police, intelligence, and law enforcement officers, he recommended engaging traditional and religious leaders, as well as civil society organizations in security discussions and monitoring of decisions.