In a recent press statement made available to Reality News Today, Lanre Ogundipe, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), called for calm and understanding amidst the impending protests planned by Nigerians on August 1, 2024. Ogundipe urged President Bola Tinubu to halt the ongoing threats from security agencies and instead engage with the public to explain the measures being taken to alleviate their hardships.
Ogundipe emphasized that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira have caused significant economic strain on citizens. He noted that the government’s efforts to mitigate these challenges, such as the swift action on the Dangote refinery and the distribution of discounted rice, are steps in the right direction. However, he warned against the potential misuse of these initiatives by unscrupulous individuals and called for vigilant management to ensure their effectiveness.
Addressing the planned protests, Ogundipe reflected on his own experiences with past demonstrations, asserting that protesters generally do not seek to incite violence. He argued that it is often the actions of security agencies that can escalate situations. “Governments, through the security agencies or other means, are usually culpable for protests turned violent,” he stated. Ogundipe called for the government to show empathy and understanding toward the public’s frustrations, stressing that the constitutional right to protest must be respected.
He criticized the government’s tendency to suppress dissent through force, describing it as a sign of intolerance. Ogundipe highlighted the importance of democratic governance, where the government should work in the interest of the people rather than against them. He urged that security forces should not be deployed to suppress peaceful protests, but rather to ensure the safety of all citizens.
Ogundipe also addressed the broader issue of governance, noting that the responsibility for Nigeria’s current challenges extends beyond the presidency. He stated that state governors, local government authorities, and the legislature share culpability for the country’s situation. He also acknowledged the complicity of the general public, calling for collective responsibility and action to address the nation’s issues.
In conclusion, Ogundipe expressed optimism that Nigeria and its citizens will overcome this challenging period but stressed that this would require sacrifices from both leaders and followers. He called for unity and constructive efforts to resolve the nation’s problems, rather than resorting to security measures that stifle dissent.
Lanre Ogundipe’s statement serves as a call to both the government and the people of Nigeria to work together in addressing the current economic and social challenges, with a focus on dialogue and mutual understanding.
