Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite stakeholders for dialogue ahead of August 1st, 2024 protest.
The monarch who made this known in a statement by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem in Osogbo, recommended
a national dialogue most especially with the dog handlers comprising the opposition parties leaders, civil society organizations, labour leaders, students, traditional rulers, and religious leaders saying, consultation is necessary to avert violent confrontation in the country.
According to him, “dialogue becomes reasonable when it’s embraced before protest. Nigerians should learn from Endsars protest that got many properties built with public funds destroyed”.
Oba Akanbi asked President Tinubu to extend the invitation to major political opposition parties leaders mostly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, labour union leaders, students’ unions, civil society organizations (CSO), notable traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to discuss the state of the nation and collate more ideas to address the economic hardship.
Oluwo who expressed strong convictions in patriotic opposition political party leaders to honour such national conversation, affirmed that economic hardship and inflation are global, conveying the need to hold national talks with stakeholders to discuss solutions to the country’s challenges.
“In a democratic setting, a peaceful protest is guaranteed provided some are not waiting somewhere to hijack it. Protest will not be advisable at this critical moment of tense global economic hardship”
“I’ve strong hope in the opposition leaders to honour national dialogue and contribute intellectual ideas to national development. No patriotic opposition leaders will want Nigeria to be destroyed”.
“Even if a protest is held, we will resort to a round table discussion after the roadshow. Rather than allowing hoodlums to hijack and destroy the nation, we are trying to construct, why not embrace dialogue? When we sit together and talk to each other, more virile approaches and solutions may be suggested for application. It will also provide an avenue for the government to reveal its plans for checkmating the food crisis and manage the economy to our collective advantage
“Different bodies should have a representative (s) at such gathering. Those willing to protest should appoint leaders. It shouldn’t be like Eagles protesters without a leader. No harm will be done to them. As a traditional ruler and leader, I’m watching to ensure the masses interests are protected and always ready to speak truth to power. Sincere protesters can reach out to notable traditional rulers”
“The inflation is killing. It’s a global phenomenon. I visited Saudi Arabia recently. Prices of goods have gone up across the world. Even the rich are finding it difficult. Addressing the challenge should involve everyone to come together and discuss way forward”, he concluded.
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