Peaceful Protests in Nigeria: FCT Minister Commends Protesters, Governor Raises Concerns
In a rare display of peaceful protests, thousands of Nigerians took to the streets on Thursday to express their grievances against hunger and hardship. The protests, which gained traction across the country, were met with commendation from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Wike, who made the commendation during the presentation of staff of office to newly appointed graded chiefs in the FCT, praised the protesters for shunning violence and choosing peace. He also reiterated the Federal Government’s readiness to dialogue with the protesters, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is taking necessary measures to alleviate the hardship of Nigerians.
However, not all states responded to the protests. Some states ignored the demonstrations, going about their businesses as usual. One such state is Bayelsa, where youths were said to have ignored the protest, earning praise from the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
Diri praised the Bayelsa youths for heeding his call to abstain from the protests, emphasizing that their choice reflected a commitment to peace and stability in the state. However, he expressed concerns over the origins of the protest activities, alleging that they were being instigated by political figures who lost in the 2023 governorship election.
According to Diri, these politicians are leveraging the nationwide unrest to foment chaos in Bayelsa. He warned that these individuals do not have the welfare of the state at heart, but rather seek to disrupt the peace and progress that the state has been working hard to maintain.
The peaceful protests in Nigeria serve as a reminder of the power of non-violent resistance and the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue to address the country’s pressing issues. As the government continues to grapple with the challenges facing the nation, it is crucial that all stakeholders work together to find solutions that benefit the people.
