A veteran journalist and former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lanre Ogundipe, has appealed to the Nigerian government to refrain from using security agencies to threaten and suppress the planned protest scheduled for August 1st.
Ogundipe, who has participated in numerous civil society protests in the past, expressed concern over the government’s reaction to the upcoming demonstration, which he believes is a legitimate exercise of the citizens’ constitutional rights.
In a press statement released on July 30th, 2024, Ogundipe urged President Tinubu to engage Nigerians and address their grievances, rather than resorting to forceful measures.
“Mr. President, for those of us who had played one role or the other in the recent past in protests organised by Civil Society organisations and organised Labour movement, l believed that protesters hardly nurse any plan to act violently or embark on reckless activities during such protests,” Ogundipe stated.
The veteran journalist acknowledged the government’s recent actions, such as the prompt decision on the Dangote refinery and the release of discounted rice, as commendable steps. However, he suggested that more needs to be done to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira.
Ogundipe emphasized the importance of the government showing understanding and empathy towards the people’s plight, stating that “no citizen in his or her right mind, would set out to cause disorderliness and and destruction of properties or infrastructures built with taxpayers’ money.”
The former NUJ President cautioned the government against the use of force to suppress the voices of the people, arguing that such an approach has often proved to be counterproductive. He urged the leadership to be more proactive in responding to agitations in a manner that would “disarm the enemy of progress” and enhance the government’s credibility.
Ogundipe also called for collective efforts from both the government and the citizens to address the current challenges facing the country, stating that “not only President Tinubu is guilty of bad governance. State Governors, local government authorities, and the legislature are culpable at various levels.”
