‘Nationwide Protest Not The Solution’ — Eredo Youths Advocate Dialogue

Eko Hot Blog reports that in a decisive statement against the nationwide protest which kicked off on August 1, 2024, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Eredo Branch, has expressed its firm opposition.

During a press conference on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at the Eredo Local Community Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat, NYCN Eredo Coordinator Comrade Oluwaseyi Abiodun, supported by leading youth figures, emphasized the need for peace and dialogue rather than public demonstrations.

“Protest should be considered a last resort,” Comrade Abiodun declared at the briefing.

He urged the organizers to engage with government officials rather than resort to street demonstrations, citing the severe consequences of the EndSARS protests in October 2020, which led to significant loss of life and extensive property damage.

“The aftermath of the EndSARS protests was deeply damaging and irreversible,” he noted.

Comrade Abiodun also referenced recent protests in Kenya, which, despite resulting in economic losses and disruption, ultimately ended with dialogue.

“Although dialogue restored peace, the lives lost cannot be regained,” he said, urging a reconsideration of the protest strategy.

Acknowledging current economic challenges, Abiodun praised the government’s efforts, including the upcoming implementation of a new minimum wage bill.

“We recognize the economic difficulties but believe the government is making strides to address them.

“We advocate for patience and dialogue,” he stated.

He affirmed Eredo’s commitment to peace, declaring that, “We choose not to participate in the protest and remain a peace-loving community.”

Also, Comrade Ambassador Ibrahim Ogunbanwo, NYCN Lagos Treasurer, supported the decision, emphasizing the need to assess the security risks and intentions behind protests.

“Protesters should consider security implications and focus on constructive dialogue with stakeholders,” he advised.

Comrade Asoro Abubakar, Vice Chairman of NYCN Lagos State East, echoed these views, stressing the importance of public safety and advocating for the “3 C’s”—Consultation, Consolidation, and Confrontation—as more effective methods.

“The October 2020 protests had severe negative impacts on Lagos State,” he noted, encouraging dialogue over demonstrations.

Comrade Lamina Ahmed, Chairman of the Local Community Youth in Eredo, assured that preventive measures similar to those used in past protests were in place to ensure peace.

He mentioned that Honorable Akingboye Ismail had also opposed the protest, reinforcing Eredo’s decision to abstain.

Comrade Olufowobi added that Poka had reached a similar consensus, opting out of the protest.

He highlighted the challenges faced during previous protests and how Epe had been commended by the Lagos State Government for maintaining peace.

“We should avoid damaging our own property,” he advised, calling for youth cooperation in staying away from the protest.

In conclusion, Comrade Oluwaseyi Abiodun reaffirmed, “The NYCN Eredo branch dissociates itself from the protest.

Eredo is known for its peaceful nature, and we will not allow anyone to disrupt our community’s harmony.”