From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Stakeholders of Northern extraction, have risen from a one-day engagement in Kaduna seeking an alternative path to the planned nationwide protest over the economic and security situation of Nigeria, saying that such protest can lead to civil unrest similar to those of Syria, Yemen, and Sudan.
The stakeholders including religious leaders, youth groups, students’ unions, trade unions, traditional leaders, state government representatives, security agencies, academicians, opinion influencers, and media organizations met at Arewa House at the meeting convened by Arewa House, Centre for Research and Historical Documentation.
In a communique issued at the end of the well-attended meeting themed; “Alternative Paths to Peaceful Co-existence and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” the stakeholders said rather than the planned protest, they believe
firmly that engaging in constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts will lead to more effective and lasting solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria.
The communique read to journalists at the end of the roundtable discussion by, the Director of Arewa House, Prof. Shuaibu Shehu said after careful consideration of the experiences and lessons from similar protests around the world, including the crises in Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Venezuela, Hong Kong, and Myanmar, the stakeholders acknowledge the devastating consequences that prolonged conflicts and humanitarian crises can have on the lives and well-being of Nigerian citizens.
According to the Professor of History, “We are equally aware of the societal disruptions that can arise from protests that escalate into violence and unrest. The experiences of these nations illustrate how civil strife can lead to loss of life, widespread displacement, economic decline, and the erosion of social cohesion.
“The International Rescue Organization reported a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, leading to a large-scale conflict. Conservative estimates suggest at least 15,500 deaths, with some estimates as high as 150,000. Additionally, a UN report cited by the BBC states that 4.5 million people – one in seven of the population – have been displaced, while 24.1 million people, or 80% of the population, need humanitarian aid and protection.
“In Yemen, the UN estimated that by the start of 2022, the ongoing conflict had caused over 377,000 deaths, with 60% attributed to hunger, lack of healthcare, and unsafe water. Over 11,000 children are known to have been killed or wounded as a direct result of the fighting, and Yemen has faced one of the largest cholera outbreaks ever recorded, with 2.5 million suspected cases and about 4,000 related deaths since 2016.
“Similarly, in Nigeria, Reports indicated that the #EndSARS protests, which erupted in October 2020, with over 10,000 protesters participating in Lagos alone, had witnessed at least, one death during the protests and many others injured.
“We understand the grievances and concerns that may drive individuals and groups to take to the streets in protest. However, we believe it is crucial to seek alternative paths to address these issues – paths that prioritize peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and sustainable development. We firmly believe that engaging in constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts can lead to more effective and lasting solutions to the challenges facing our nation.
“The potential negative impacts of the August 2024 protest raise serious concerns about the loss of innocent lives, the destruction of valuable assets, and the exacerbation of tensions and insecurity. We emphasize the need to protect the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly young people, children, and women who may participate in the protest,” he noted
The stakeholders however called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently implement programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of public discontent, such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of social services.
They also advised that the government should, as a matter of urgency, release all those arrested in connection with the proposed protests, adding that, such would earn the government respect and may help to diminish the momentum of the protesters.
“We call upon the government and relevant stakeholders to explore alternative avenues, such as town hall meetings, public consultations, and policy reforms, to address the grievances and demands of the citizens. Encouraging Dialogue: We urge all concerned parties, including government representatives, civil society organizations, and citizens, to engage in open and inclusive dialogue to address the underlying issues and concerns that may drive protests.
“Recognizing the importance of youth in shaping the future of our nation, we propose the implementation of youth empowerment programs that provide gainful employment, skills training, and opportunities for youth to actively participate in the development of our society.”
The Northern stakeholders also emphasized the need to strengthen the Nation’s institutions, including the judiciary, security agencies, and governance structures, to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice for all citizens.
“We appeal to both religious and community leaders to guide their congregations in prayers for peace and prosperity and to counsel their followers on the importance of peaceful coexistence.
“We also encourage affluent members of society to assist in alleviating the suffering of the less privileged through the provision of food, medicines, and other necessities.
“We call upon the media to uphold their ethical responsibility in reporting events to do with unrest, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism that contributes to promoting peace, understanding, and national unity.
“We express our deep concern regarding the dangers of fake news and misinformation, which have the potential to further exacerbate tensions and incite violence. It is essential for media houses to be conscious of the national security implications of their reportage and exercise caution in disseminating information to the public,” they said.
While noting that, some political figures might attempt to exploit the current socio-economic conditions to incite social unrest for personal gain, the stakeholders advised politicians to consider the dangers of unorganized and unpredictable protests.
“We unanimously call on all political parties to prioritize the upcoming local government elections as a legitimate channel for expressing grievances and effecting change.
“We encourage political actors to educate their members on the importance of peaceful and democratic means of participation while channeling any concerns and demands through the ballot box, given the recent development on Local Government Autonomy.
“The gathering also included a briefing from a Sudanese representative, who explained how desperate individuals hijacked the protests in Sudan and the irreparable consequences that the country is still grappling with.
“We, the participants of this roundtable discussion, commit to promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and sustainable development in Nigeria. We stand united in our efforts to address the challenges facing our nation while upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and social justice,” the communique read.
