From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep concern over the deaths, injuries, and widespread destruction that occurred during the protests in several urban centers across Nigeria earlier this month.
The ACF also condemned the looting, vandalism, and destruction of both public and private property that marred the protests, which began on August 1, 2024.
According to the ACF, the protests, initially planned to last for ten days, quickly escalated into near-generalized social disorder, particularly in Northern Nigeria. The Forum criticized the actions of the protesters, describing them as going far beyond permissible limits and questioning the motivations behind what it termed as poorly organized protests driven by faceless organizers.
In a statement by Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, the Forum emphasized: “We had raised concerns about the potential for these protests to lead to a breakdown of law and order, and sadly, our apprehensions have been vindicated by the unfortunate turn of events.”
He further added: “The waving of the Russian flag by some protesters was not only inexplicable but also unequivocally condemnable.”
While acknowledging the widespread discontent, frustration, and anger among the Nigerian populace, particularly over the past 14 months of the current administration, ACF noted that the existential conditions faced by citizens must not be ignored. He said, “The dire living conditions, lack of education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, coupled with the ongoing insecurity in the country, require urgent attention.”
While criticizing the inadequate response by both federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to the well-publicized protests, the forum stated: “The constitutional rights of citizens to express grievances through demonstrations and protests must be respected. However, there is a need for robust and dynamic engagement between citizens and government representatives on the direction of public policies.”
The forum also extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and expressed sympathy for those who were injured or whose properties were looted or damaged during the protests. “We urge calm and resilience among citizens as they struggle to move on from the devastating effects of the protests,” Prof. Muhammad-Baba said.
The Forum welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement of his intention to engage the public in consultations on the current trajectory of public policy.
Prof. Muhammad-Baba urged that these consultations be well-organized and inclusive of various stakeholders, including community-based organizations, interest groups, professional associations, and religious leaders.
Furthermore, the ACF called on public officials to shun ostentatious lifestyles and insensitive utterances, which contribute to widespread despair and dissatisfaction among ordinary citizens. The Forum also called for the entrenchment of accountability and good governance at all levels of government and urged a reinvigorated anti-corruption drive, stating that previous efforts have been “feeble and cosmetic.”
