The Women Initiative for Family Economy group has urged Nigerians to consider the potential consequences of the planned nationwide strike due to hold on August 1.
In a press conference addressed by Ambassador Aisha Abdulkadir, the coordinator of the group, she remarked that the right to a peaceful protest was set down in democracy and was a powerful tool for voicing concerns.
However, she also pointed out the impact of the EndSARS protests in October 2020 which was still fresh in the collective memory of the citizenry.
The group recalled that what started as a peaceful demand for the end of police brutality unfortunately escalated into widespread killings and chaos.
What They’re Saying
Abdulkadir had said;
“A nationwide protest at this juncture could lead us down a similar path of disruption and hardship. Strikes and protests, while powerful, often come with unintended consequences.“However, the call for protest underscores a critical point: the economic hardships that many Nigerians are facing.
“We believe that through dialogue, we can address grievances and work together toward sustainable solutions.
While the right to protest is fundamental, we must consider the potential risks and consequences of a nationwide protest. The government is dedicated to addressing the economic hardships facing our country and is actively working on solutions.
“Let us choose the path of cooperation over disruption and chaos. Together, we can build a Nigeria that offers prosperity and opportunity for all.
“As a mother, my heart aches at the thought of losing more of our young ones to violence. I urge all of us to consider alternative measures to protest in ways that preserve lives while still demanding the change we so desperately need. Let us protect our children and each other by seeking peaceful, strategic avenues for our advocacy,” the group said.
