By Ibironke Ariyo
A non-profit Organisation, Dr Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation, has urged Nigerian youths to shun the nationwide protest schedule for Aug. 1 to Aug. 10.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Dr Yusuf Suberu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
NAN reports that the protest is premised on the harsh economic situation which organisers claimed was causing harrowing socio-economic experience and hunger to Nigerians.
Suberu urged Nigerians especially the youths to shun the protest, due to the danger it portends to the corporate existence of Nigerians.
He said that the protest might be hijacked by political interest groups, leading to breakdown of law and order.
“These protests scheduled to take place nationwide could be hijacked by hoodlums and other criminal elements and that might lead to chaos and anarchy in our dear country.
“It as well might lead to further divisions of the country and could undermine our democracy, if it degenerates into violence and attendant loss of lives and property,’’ he said.
Suberu said that the country cannot afford to allow itself to be plunged into chaos and anarchy.
“We must prioritise peace and stability, youths need to channel their energy towards peace building and nation building,” he said.
Suberu who outlined other dangers of the protest, feared that it could be used by ethnic jingoists to promote ethnic and religious sentiments, leading to more tension and decline in economic activities.
Suberu who doubled as the Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) Mayors of the Federation urged government to step up actions towards addressing the grievances of the planned protesters through dialogue and engagement.
“Dialogue is the best way to resolve the issues and maintain peace and stability,” he said.
He called on the youths to be cautious and not allowed them to be used as pawns by people he described as “overzealous politicians’’.
Suberu admonished Nigerians to prioritise the national interest and work towards building a united and stable country as the new National Anthem entails.
