We, the Conference of Patriotic Nigerians (COPAN) hereby call on the organizers of the planned protest to suspend same in the overriding interest of the Country, Nigeria.
We recognize the constitutional rights of all Nigerians to protest as stated in our constitution. However, at this period in our nation’s trajectory, protest is unnecessary because in aften times, it is counter productive. This proposed protest is no doubt politically motivated by unpatriotic elements in our country aimed at inciting the Countrymen against our leaders for their selfish political gains and relevancy. What we need to do is to partner with Government in moving the nation forward. Protest as we had seen in the time past in Nigeria is a path to destructions and backwardness. The properties destroyed by the EndSars Protesters some years ago are not yet completely rebuilt by the Country. Nigeria as a nation has not yet fully recovered from the last protest. Against this background, It is foolhardy on the part of any Nigerian to join the protest.
In our steadfastness at COPAN, we have a strong conviction that the Government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will fix the Country for us and for the future generations. It is unfair and uncharitable to call for a protest against a Government that just spent a year out of four year tenure. We understand the fact that Government is a continuum, but all the reasons given for the proposed protest are inherited by the current Government. One year is short to short to rate Government on performance.
If we may add, the fuel subsidy removal was a bold step and condition precedent to save our country from total collapse. Tinubu has taken good steps towards sustainable development of our Country. These include Students’ loans initiative, Local Government Financial Autonomy, the New Minimum Wage, and the signing into Law of the South East Development Commission Bill.
For these reasons, we urge all our members across boards and all good Nigerians not to participate in the protest.
Dated 30th July , 2024
Signed:
Uchenna Odieli – Coordinator
O. D Jimoh – Secretary