North Central group kicks against planned nationwide protest

The North Central Foundation for Unity and Development Initiative (NCFOUDI) has called on Nigerians to exercise restraint and reconsider the planned “#EndbadGovernanceProtest” set for August 1, in the interest of peace and national development.

The forum said it is not unaware of the hardship being faced by Nigerians due to inflation, skyrocketed food hike and other challenges, but believes the ongoing reforms and economic policies of President Bola Tinubu will soon turn around the fortunes of the country for the better.

In a statement released on Monday, Comrade Vitalis Hwande, Director General of NCFOUDI, urged potential protesters to hold back, noting that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the current timing is not appropriate.

He said, “Nigerians have suffered enoug. The global economic recession, insecurity, catastrophic policy decisions of previous administrations, and other factors have brought us to this point.

“President Bola Tinubu is tirelessly working through the Renewed Hope Agenda to rejuvenate the nation.”

The NCFOUDI also drew lessons from past protests, including #EndSARS in 2020 and a recent protest in Kenya, both of which began peacefully but were hijacked by hoodlums, leading to significant destruction and looting.

“We urge the organizers of the protest to heed the voice of reason and learn from these incidents.

“Security agencies, including the Defense Headquarters, DSS, and Nigeria Police, have intelligence reports indicating that the intended peaceful protest could be hijacked by hoodlums,” Hwande stated.

Hwande urged Nigerians to give President Tinubu time to address the nation’s issues.

He added, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies and reforms may seem harsh now, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. He has been in office for less than a year. Let’s give him the time needed to correct the abnormalities of the past so we can achieve a nation that fulfills our collective hopes and aspirations.”