Former Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, along with the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Kaduna State, has advised Nigerians to avoid participating in the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1st to 10th, 2024.
They argue that the protest’s organizers are faceless and lack clear leadership direction.
In separate statements to reporters in Kaduna, Senator Sani stressed the importance of having visible leadership for peaceful protests to prevent them from escalating into violence that could destabilize the country.
While he recognizes the role of peaceful protest in a democracy, he cautioned that the upcoming protest lacks clear leadership, making it susceptible to potential violence.
He highlighted that while Nigerians have the right to express their opinions, criticize the government, and protest peacefully, such actions need to be purposeful and led by identifiable figures to avoid chaos.
Sani drew comparisons to protests in Kenya and Sudan, emphasizing that effective leadership is crucial in determining the outcome and avoiding disorder.
Sani also praised the Kaduna state government’s position, noting that they would only support protests led by identifiable leaders who can be held accountable for maintaining order. He underscored the importance of having clear leadership in protests, reflecting on his own experiences with well-led demonstrations involving figures like President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and late Balarabe Musa.
The Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Kaduna, along with a group of nineteen northern gubernatorial candidates, have distanced themselves from the planned nationwide protest, calling it “maliciously stage-managed.”
Aliu Mohammed, the Convener of the Coalition, asserted that the protest is intended to undermine the peace and stability currently enjoyed across the country. Although he acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by citizens, Mohammed condemned the planned protest, highlighting the risks of violence and emphasizing the need for dialogue and peace.
