Protest Organizers Urge Transparency Amid Security Concerns
A call for transparency has been made by Ayoola Lawal, former Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, regarding the planned nationwide protests in Nigeria. Lawal has urged the State Security Service, SSS, to publicly reveal the sponsors of the protests, citing concerns over the motives behind the demonstrations.
The SSS had issued a statement on Thursday, describing the protest as political and warning that it could lead to violence and disrupt public peace. Lawal believes that publicly naming the sponsors would help to clarify whether the individuals or groups involved genuinely represent the interests and grievances of the Nigerian populace or are pursuing personal or political agendas.
Maintaining security is crucial, but so is respecting Nigerians’ fundamental rights, Lawal emphasized. He cautioned that the SSS’s warning, without specific details or evidence, risks being perceived as an attempt to suppress dissent and further erode public trust in governmental institutions.
Lawal urged elected representatives, government appointees, traditional leaders, and ruling political party members to engage in open dialogue with the organizers of the protest, saying that constructive engagement can lead to peaceful resolutions and demonstrate the government’s responsiveness to the needs and concerns of its citizens.
He also appealed to potential protesters to reconsider their approach and give President Bola Tinubu’s administration more time to deliver on its mandate. Lawal believes that the president is committed to addressing the underlying issues driving public discontent and that patience is needed for Nigerians to start enjoying the rewards of their patience and the fruits of the prosperity foundation laid by the administration.
The protest is said to be organized to address economic hardships and governance issues in Nigeria, with the SSS claiming that it is being manipulated by certain individuals and groups. Lawal’s call for transparency and accountability is seen as an attempt to promote a more open and democratic society, where citizens can distinguish between legitimate calls for action and potential manipulation by those with nefarious intentions.
Ultimately, Lawal’s message is clear: Nigerians deserve to know the truth behind the protests and the individuals involved. As the country navigates this delicate situation, it is crucial that the government approaches the situation with a commitment to democratic principles and respect for the fundamental rights of its citizens.
