As the call for a nationwide protest gets thicker, the Kaduna based business mogul, Dr. Tobi Bernard Thomas, has called on the proposed protest planners to shelve the idea and dialogue with the government on the way forward.
Dr. Thomas urged the planners to be wary of potential violence during the planned nationwide protests, adding that the protest may not be the solution to the lingering socioeconomic problems of the nation.
The advice to shelve the idea of the nationwide protest comes on the heels of the security alert issued by the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to their citizens residing in Nigeria.
The business mogul during a press conference in Kaduna on Monday said: “this is not the best time for any kind of protest, everywhere is already tense, and based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations. And all of these are not good for the nation now.
“Yes, it is obvious that the prices of food and basic commodities have gone through the roof in the last months, as Nigerians battle one of the country’s worst inflation rates and economic crises.
“But even at this, the potential violence of the planned protest is what Nigerians and those behind the planned protest must put into consideration. Because by the time the protest begins, definately hoodlums will highjack the process, and this may lead to economic shutdown.
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“It is on this note that I call on the planners of the protest to negotiate with the government and proffer solution on the possible way out of the economy woe the country finds itself,” Dr. Thomas advised.
He therefore urged parents to guide and counsel their children and wards on the potential violence that may likely be the aftermath of the protest.
“We must reflect the heightened concerns over the planned nationwide protests and their potential impact on safety and security in Nigeria,” Dr. Thomas emphasised.
