By Francis Sadhere, Warri
His Majesty Udurhie 1, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, has called on Nigerian youths to reconsider their planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.
In a letter titled “Nationwide Hunger Protest: My Appeal To Nigerian Youths,” the monarch expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of the protest amidst Nigeria’s current fragile security situation.
Udurhie 1 acknowledged the youths’ grievances and their right to peaceful assembly as protected by the constitution. However, he warned that the protest could be exploited by disruptive elements, leading to widespread unrest.
The Idjerhe monarch’s appeal comes as a cautionary note in the face of increasing public discontent due to the country’s economic challenges.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s security conditions are too precarious for such demonstrations at this time.
In his letter, Udurhie 1 also urged President Bola Tinubu and the 36 state governors to act swiftly to address the severe economic issues impacting Nigerians.
He suggested that dialogue between the government and the protest organizers could offer a more constructive solution to the nation’s pressing problems.
“I am deeply worried that a mass protest at this critical time will not do our dear nation any good. Rather, it can lead to further national disorder.
“The hunger in the land and growing insecurity across regions should bother us all, and constructively looking inward will be a better option than resorting to wild protests.
“As a revered traditional ruler in this country, I know it is a constitutional right of every Nigerian, as enshrined in our constitution, to protest. I also know there is hunger, insecurity, and unemployment. But as a veteran journalist and media manager with over three decades of experience, the signals out there clearly indicate that another nationwide protest will plunge this nation into more economic mess and insecurity.
“As your father, I earnestly appeal to you all to shelve the planned protest in the interest of our nation.
“I call on our President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the concerns raised by our youths. I plead with Mr. President and Nigerians to address the core issues of hunger and the deep disconnect that exists between ordinary Nigerians and the ruling class.
“We cannot afford another #ENDSARS unrest now, considering the current state of our nation. Our collective decision to work for sustainable peace by addressing growing insecurities should be our top national discourse.
“Anything that will further divide the country should be discouraged by the government, which should work out modalities to address the critical hunger in our land. Mass protests cannot and should not be provoked as an option to address the needs of the masses.
“Peace and dialogue remain the win-win choice over mass protests that can easily be hijacked by the depraved. Let peace and unity reign supreme in our dear land.
“As a royal father who has been at the forefront of advocating for the creation of jobs, the establishment of companies, revamping the agricultural sector, and the building of a prosperous nation, amongst others, for our Nigerian youths, I know your demands are germane and are a true reflection of the current economic reality in the country.
“Therefore, I wish to appeal to all Nigerian youths, particularly Niger Delta youths, to dialogue with the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu on the basis of national interest”, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom said in the letter.
His Majesty Udurhie 1, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, has called on Nigerian youths to reconsider their planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.
In a letter titled “Nationwide Hunger Protest: My Appeal To Nigerian Youths,” the monarch expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of the protest amidst Nigeria’s current fragile security situation.
Udurhie 1 acknowledged the youths’ grievances and their right to peaceful assembly as protected by the constitution. However, he warned that the protest could be exploited by disruptive elements, leading to widespread unrest.
The Idjerhe monarch’s appeal comes as a cautionary note in the face of increasing public discontent due to the country’s economic challenges.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s security conditions are too precarious for such demonstrations at this time.
In his letter, Udurhie 1 also urged President Bola Tinubu and the 36 state governors to act swiftly to address the severe economic issues impacting Nigerians.
He suggested that dialogue between the government and the protest organizers could offer a more constructive solution to the nation’s pressing problems.
“I am deeply worried that a mass protest at this critical time will not do our dear nation any good. Rather, it can lead to further national disorder.
“The hunger in the land and growing insecurity across regions should bother us all, and constructively looking inward will be a better option than resorting to wild protests.
“As a revered traditional ruler in this country, I know it is a constitutional right of every Nigerian, as enshrined in our constitution, to protest. I also know there is hunger, insecurity, and unemployment. But as a veteran journalist and media manager with over three decades of experience, the signals out there clearly indicate that another nationwide protest will plunge this nation into more economic mess and insecurity.
“As your father, I earnestly appeal to you all to shelve the planned protest in the interest of our nation.
“I call on our President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the concerns raised by our youths. I plead with Mr. President and Nigerians to address the core issues of hunger and the deep disconnect that exists between ordinary Nigerians and the ruling class.
“We cannot afford another #ENDSARS unrest now, considering the current state of our nation. Our collective decision to work for sustainable peace by addressing growing insecurities should be our top national discourse.
“Anything that will further divide the country should be discouraged by the government, which should work out modalities to address the critical hunger in our land. Mass protests cannot and should not be provoked as an option to address the needs of the masses.
“Peace and dialogue remain the win-win choice over mass protests that can easily be hijacked by the depraved. Let peace and unity reign supreme in our dear land.
“As a royal father who has been at the forefront of advocating for the creation of jobs, the establishment of companies, revamping the agricultural sector, and the building of a prosperous nation, amongst others, for our Nigerian youths, I know your demands are germane and are a true reflection of the current economic reality in the country.
“Therefore, I wish to appeal to all Nigerian youths, particularly Niger Delta youths, to dialogue with the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu on the basis of national interest”, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom said in the letter.
