Former Special Assistant On Youth Matter to the Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) Hon Dr Aniefiok Akpan, has advised nigerian youths against protest in the country but to engage in dialogue with government.
Dr Akpan said the youths should explore only option that would lead to peace, unity and progress in the country using the instrumentality of dialogue, warning that protest intended to be peaceful may be hijacked by criminals and hoodlums as witnessed during the coordinated protests to advocate for the abolition of Police’s Special Anti Robbery Squad(SARS) codenamed ‘#endsars’, about three 3years ago.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital on Saturday, he urge the nigerian youths to remain calm and propel dialogue with the government accordingly, instead of protest that could lead to lawlessness .
The Former House Of Reps Aspirant, stressed that it would be more rewarding and profitable for nigerians, no matter how aggrieved to embrace dialogue at this trying time, than adopting the option of protest, which he said could be very harmful to us as a nation.
He added that the current challenges in the country especially food inflation calls for concerted efforts by all Nigerians for a lasting solutions that will bring peace and stability in our country.
“i know protest is constitutional but the timing is wrong, it’s better for the youths to engage the government in a propositional and advisory ways than embarking on such which could lead to major crisis or anarchy.
“No matter how good intentions of the proponent of protest, it can be hijacked by criminals and hoodlums who are ready to unleash mayhems, loot public properties and cause unrest in the country.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must collectively do everything possible to encourage peace, unity and progress,” he said.
According to him the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to revamp the country from the cruches of decayed economic tide via the renewed hope mantra, saying one year is too short to pass a verdict on the young administration.
He said Nigerian youths should be patient with the government and give it more time to fix the country in the over all interest of the citizenry.
The Peace and Conflict Resolution Expert praises the President And the Vice President for their youth friendly initiatives and ongoing conserted efforts in addressing the needs of nigerian youths as evident in the student loans provision, several empowerment initiatives, Youth inclusiveness and effectice policy drive etc.
He appealed to the governors, relevant stakeholders and nigerian youths to rally round and continue to support the present administration for the betterment of our dear country.
