The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, has urged the organizers of the nationwide protest set to begin on August 1 to cancel the event.
Instead, Maikyau recommended that a dialogue on the country’s future would be more constructive than a potentially violent protest.
In a statement on Monday, Maikyau said, “I earnestly appeal to Nigerians, especially those planning to participate in the street protest, to reconsider and think about the possible consequences for our security, economy, and overall existence.
Past mass protests have often been hijacked by malicious individuals who commit crimes, turning peaceful demonstrations into riots. Current hardships cannot compare to the chaos and destruction of civil unrest. We only need to look at nations experiencing war to see the devastation. We must avoid such scenarios at all costs.
“I call on the government, organizers, and supporters of the planned protest to cancel it and engage in honest discussions to address the people’s plight.”
He also urged federal and state legislators to engage with their constituents to address their concerns. “We have repeatedly called on the government to address the suffering of Nigerians and take decisive action to revive the economy and alleviate poverty, largely caused by widespread insecurity. The nation’s current state is fueled by corruption in both public and private sectors.
“While this isn’t solely the fault of the current administration, I highlighted the need for strategic investments in national security in my letter to President Bola Tinubu on June 12, 2023. This is crucial because of the direct impact of insecurity on the economy and the well-being of our people,” Maikyau said.
