SECURITY EXPERTS CAUTION AGAINST PROTESTS

☆☆Empathize With Nigerians.
By: Philip Zandor – Abuja

The Alumni Association Of The National Institute For Security Studies, AANISS, has expressed concerns over trending issues in Nigeria, especially the socio-economic challenges and hardship being faced by Nigerians.
While identifying itself with the plights of the common man and wishes to identify and expressing sympathy with fellow citizens, it, however, cautioned against any action that could impair national peace and security.
A statement from the President of the association Mike Ejiofor also acknowledges the federal government’s efforts in working towards alleviating these challenges and bringing succour to the people.
It noted with deep consternation the planned nationwide protest in particular scheduled for 1st August 2024, and expressed fears against possible hijack of the process by unscrupulous elements.
“While peaceful protest is a right and legitimate as provided in the laws of the land, particularly in a democracy, we fear that it could be hijacked by unpatriotic elements, potentially leading to a breakdown in peace and security, as demonstrated during our recent experience of the ENSARS protest which is still very fresh in our memory when innocent lives and valuable properties of government and individuals were lost and destroyed”, the association President noted. In lending it’s voice to widespread calls for caution, the association said, “in the larger national interest, we urge all concerned to reconsider the idea of protest, shelve it and allow Government to address the issues raised in the ultimate linterest of the generality of the populace”.
The statement further noted that, Federal Government has innitiated such moves as the new minimum wage, students loan , provision of food and other measures, aimed at easing the hardship in the land, which are commendable. “Nevertheless, we call on the government to do more and work urgently to address the escalating socio-economic hardship,” it added, calling on Nigerians to work together to find peaceful solutions to the nation’s challenges.