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SUSPEND PROTEST, LETS MAKE DEMANDS, SPECIFY ACTIONABLE TIMELINES FIRST -AKWUAKA-AKWAJA, HFN NAT. COORDINATOR

A civil society organization hitherto involved in mobilization for the impending nationwide #End Bad Governance protest, Humanity First Nigeria and Women Rights Alliance(HFNWRA) has urged other sister organizations involved in the protest to suspend the protest.

A press statement issued by the group’s National Coordinator, Dr Justina Ekene Akwuaka-Akwaja read as follows:

“Humanity First Nigeria and Women Rights Alliance(HFNWRA) warns against high economic and security risks with the August 1st protest, Urges fellow protest organizations to RE-STRATEGIZE through ultimatums to Government with timeline before option of protest.

NIGERIANS WILL PROVIDE GOVERNMENT, A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF DECISIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IMMEDIATELY, WITH A WELL-DEFINED TIMELINE FOR EXECUTION, RESERVING THE OPTION OF PROTEST AS A LAST RESORT FOR FAILURE TO UPHOLD THE COLLECTIVE WILL OF NIGERIANS.

Nigerians, particularly we the youths and Women who bear the brunt at homefronts, have been mobilizing heavily for a nationwide protest to pressure the government to address economic hardships which their not properly planned decisions have plunged 90% of Nigerians into multi-dimentional poverty, unexplainable hardships and unnecessary anger.

The National Coordinator of Humanity First Nigeria(HFN) and Women Rights Alliance(WRA); Comrade Dr. Justina Ekene Akwuaka-Akwaja penultimate Tuesday, has voiced out the groups stand on the intended protest of August 1st, and has consistently and unequivocally drawn the attention of the Federal and State Governments, to the plight of the citizens of this nation and the imperative for decisive actions to stem the tide for a protest, by rejuvenating the economy and alleviating the suffering of Nigerians, predominantly stemming from the unmitigated removal of petroleum and electricity subsidies and widespread insecurity nationwide.

The current state of affairs in the country has been perpetuated by various forms of corruption in both the public and private sectors. While the blame for this cannot be solely attributed to the present administration, we, in relation to National Security, in our country, call out to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we underscored the urgency for strategic investments in the security apparatus of the nation.

Such measures were deemed essential due to the direct repercussions of insecurity on the economy and the well-being of our populace. We emphasized to Mr. President, that his Administration must make right investments in addressing our nation’s economy and security.

Nigerians need well thought-out, informed, all-inclusive interventions. Information should be public to reassure commitment. Transparency is crucial and all spendings not geared towards national development must be stampeded.

Invest in manpower and equipment to reduce fear. Recover Nigerians’ psyche from despair and implement security plans with the right people in place, beyond party divides.”

“Our prior encounters with large-scale demonstrations have shown that they are often manipulated by unscrupulous individuals who exploit the situation to perpetrate atrocious acts, consequently transforming what would have been a peaceful protest into a riot,” he remarked.

Nevertheless, she posited that there exists a possibility that the nation’s “detractors and naysayers” might be actively fomenting and endorsing the protest. It is within this context that I earnestly implore Nigerians, especially those who have chosen to partake in the planned street demonstration, to reconsider their stance and critically assess the potential repercussions of engaging in such an endeavor on our security, economy, and very existence,” the NBA president penned.“With the level of infrastructural deficits in many respects and the reliance on petroleum products as the primary source of power for most businesses, entrepreneurs, and private users, there is an urgent need to implement policies that will help cushion the effects of this otherwise laudable decision before its positive impact is felt within our socio-economic space. We note Your Excellency’s call on Nigerians to make sacrifices and bear the pains of subsidy removal with the assurance that, ‘the government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.’ This assurance offers a genuine basis for the sacrifices expected of Nigerians, and the NBA shall, on behalf of Nigerians, monitor the fulfillment of this covenant. Your Excellency, the pains and sufferings of our people must never be taken for granted; they must count for something.”Mr. President, Nigerians need to breathe! Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa, but our reality tells a total different and deplorable story. The economy is dwindling, the Naira is falling, food prices are high, and the future outlook is negative. Inconsistent economic policies have weakened economic fundamentals, leading to low living standards, poverty, and high unemployment. The state of insecurity has impacted food sufficiency. Nigerians in extreme poverty may have increased. The government must take action to revamp the economy and address security challenges. Bandits, terrorists, kidnappings, and criminal activities cause daily bloodshed. Many Nigerians suffer. Government urged to address economy and people’s plight. President Tinubu must provide solutions. Infrastructure, education, power, healthcare investments promised. Insecurity and economic hardship continue, leading to protests.Nigeria faces insecurity challenges. Bandits, terrorists, kidnappings, and criminal activities cause daily bloodshed. Many Nigerians suffer. Incidents are increasing. Kidnappings, killings, massacres, destruction across the country. Government urged to address economy and people’s plight. President Tinubu must provide solutions. Government continuity crucial. Need for more focus and energy. Tough decisions made, interventions needed. Government actions must inspire confidence. Infrastructure, education, power, healthcare investments promised. Humanity First Nigeria holds government accountable. Insecurity and economic hardship continue, leading to protests. Dissatisfaction fueled by lack of awareness.Tough decisions have been made by this administration which have had grevious consequences on Nigerians. More interventions needed to alleviate suffering and assure that hardships are temporary. Government actions must inspire confidence. Nigerians should see light at the end of the tunnel. With the right deployment of resources, goals are achievable. Mr. President, you promised massive investment in infrastructure, education, power supply, healthcare. Our organization is aware of people’s plight and holds government accountable. Insecurity and economic hardship continue, leading to nationwide protests. Dissatisfaction with government fueled by lack of awareness of efforts to address situation.As previously mentioned, Nigerians need to be persuaded of Federal Government’s genuineness in addressing these issues. The Federal and State Government should be granted a specific period to rectify the economic situation of the country before considering a protest. This timeframe for substantial change from the Government will demonstrate to Nigerians the authenticity of the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA of the Federal Government in combating the current economic challenges faced by both the affluent and the underprivileged in the nation. These transformations must be directly experienced by Nigerians at all levels, supported by concrete interventions that will offer immediate relief and long-term enhancements in welfare and living standards.Top of the changes to be made immediately to rest this rising tsunami must include;-Immediate return of petroluem price to N120 per litre and Power tariff returned to status-quo, while proper handling of subsidy removal be made systematically, over a period of time.-Cabinet reduction and reschufflement to accommodate think-tanks of both youth and Women population is pertinent.-Immediate reduction of cost of governance, salary and benefit reduction for Mr. President, Vice President, Senators/House of Reps Members, Governor’s, House of Assembly Members , LGA Chairmen and Councillors.- Tackle insecurity, kidnapping and boost salary of our military and para-military Men and Women.- Revamp our economy on the path of industralizatiin, massive griculture and production.- Ensure free Education and Healthcare delivery to the lowest wrong of Nigerians.-Reposition our refineries to function optimally and produce maximally per facility in country.Nigerians are patient, multi-talented, balanced, resilient, enduring and die hard optimists thus, they deserve the unquestionable respect of their leaders and this must never be taken for granted.Mr President, Governor’s, the Senate/ Reps, Houses of Assembly, and Judiciary need to reciprocate true followership with purposeful leadership. Every Government must translate purposefulness and sincerity into concrete benefits for the people. Mr. President’s sincerity in dealing with the nation’s affairs, including his promise to lift Nigerians out of poverty, is evident. However, some of his appointees may not fully align with this resolve. Members of the three arms of Government must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with delivering programs and policies for the people. They should avoid actions that may insult Nigerians given our economic realities.Fellow Nigerians, I plead with my fellow disappointed, disillusioned, hungry and angry Nigerian Protesters and I humbly want to remind us that no cause is more paramount than the sovereignty of Nigeria. If any action we take does not enhance Nigeria and Nigerians, but rather deteriorates it, then we must reassess our position by convening and stipulating deadlines to the Federal and State Government regarding our collective aspirations as a nation. If this demonstration is truly for the betterment of our beloved country Nigeria, then we MUST adhere to the correct protocols and rules of engagement before initiating a full-fledged protest, and now is the opportune moment to present our government with a comprehensive to-do list and the expected timeline for their complete implementation.The truth is, we all protest differently. It’s about all of us. Importance of lawful conduct can’t be overstated. We have a duty to maintain peace and order for Nigeria’s existence. We must avoid actions that harm our country. We need Nigeria to fix our challenges. Hunger and insecurity plague the land. We must hold back from actions that harm our nation. Strikes have devastating economic consequences. Social unrest harms investment and worsens economic situation. We must be cautious of who we listen to. Some have selfish motives and seek to harm our nation.Need I remind us, of how we defied predictions of civil war before 2015 elections and remained united as a nation. In 2022, threats of breakup arose but we survived and held elections. Despite challenges, we have made progress towards better elections. Foreign nationals evacuated but later returned to observe the elections. We are here today after overcoming obstacles and holding successful elections. Some Nigerians doubted the elections and considered leaving. Military takeover rumors were denied. Our detractors may still be planning protests. That we are here today, not only considering the elections but that they have actually been held, is a great success for our nation. Many Nigerians thought about leaving or already did due to doubts about the elections. Military takeover was openly discussed but Defence Headquarters reassured no such plans. I would be complacent to assume our detractors are not instigating the planned protest.It is against this background that I appeal to all Nigerian Women and Youths, to reconsider the outcomes of street protests on our national security, economy and existencial architectures. Mass protests that are largely unplanned without initial discussion with the federal government can be hijacked, leading to civil unrest, chaos and death. We must avoid actions with devastating effects. Conflict-ridden nations serve as a reminder to us all. Government and we organizers must discuss to adequately address the rights, aspirations and plight of our people. Mechanisms for government/people engagement should be implemented. National and State Houses of Assembly should address people’s demands. A National Security Summit should be convened for security solutions. Traditional institutions, Religious leaders, and Civil society organizations must be engaged.We aim to improve Nigeria through constructive dialogue. Government and citizens must engage respectfully for progress going forward.GOD bless the great, resilient and multi-talented people of Nigeria!GOD bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!ALUTA CONTINUA!!!!

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