Defend Nigeria Movement Converges on Alausa, Lagos, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Dialogue and Non-Violent Protest to Press Home their Demands

Yemisi Dada

A Civil Society Organization, the Defend Nigeria Movement, on Thursday, converged on the Alausa Secretariat on a peaceful rally to press home the demand of Nigerians using dialogue rather than violent protest.

Convener, Defend Nigeria Movement, Comrade Rasak Olokoba, said the development was to join their voices with other Nigerians for government to address the hardship confronting the nation especially reduction in cost of living and food items prices.

Comrade Olokoba who frowned on use of violence protest to get government’s attention, emphasized that the impacts of destruction during the EndSARS saga in 2020 remains unredeemable and would not advise Nigerians to go that route again.

He called on all Nigerians to embrace the use of constructive criticism and dialogue rather than faceoff with alleged interior political motives by some unscrupulous people and also advised federal and State governments to engage the people more and yield to their yearnings for a better Nigeria.

“Violent protest will no do no good for anyone, it will only destroy our source of livelihood and the progress of the country. You have made your grievances know, and the President is already doing reforms that will soon materialize, hence Nigerians need to protect and defend the country from some faceless group leaders who are bent on destabilizing the peace of Nigeria and we stand here today to say No to violent protests. Government must engage all stakeholders regularly to know their challenges and ensure solutions are brought to the table, with this Nigeria will move forward”

The CSOs who Strategist affirmed his stand for constitutional democracy but cautioned against socio-economic saboteurs, urged Nigerians to join in the protection of the country and shun violence which could lead to anarchy.

Some of the peaceful protesters displayed placards with various inscriptions such as “Government must act fast to end hunger”, “Probe Economic saboteurs”, let us Dialogue, don’t burn cities”, “No to anarchy”, “why ten days street protest” and “Say no to violent protests among others.”