Aniefiok Akpan urges Nigerians to shun protest, embrace dialogue with FG

Aniefiok Akpan, former special assistant to chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has appealed to Nigerians to shun the planned nationwide protest.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers state, on Saturday, Akpan said youths should engage in dialogue with the government instead of embarking on the protest.

Akpan, a former aide on youth matters, argued that embracing dialogue would be “more rewarding and profitable” for Nigerians.

He said the current challenges facing the country, particularly the food inflation, call for a concerted effort by Nigerians to find lasting solutions that will bring peace and stability.

He said the protest, even if intended to be peaceful, may run the risk of being hijacked by criminals and hoodlums.

“I know protest is constitutional, but the timing is wrong; it is better for the youths to engage the government in propositional and advisory ways than embarking on such, which could lead to a major crisis or anarchy,” Akpan said.

“No matter how good the intentions of the proponent of protest, it can be hijacked by criminals and hoodlums who are ready to unleash mayhem, loot public properties, and cause unrest in the country.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must collectively do everything possible to encourage peace, unity, and progress.”

Akpan noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is working relentlessly to revive the country from the grips of its decaying economic situation through ‘renewed hope’ initiative.

Akpan noted that one year is too short a timeframe to pass judgment on the new administration.

He urged Nigerian youths to be patient with the government and grant it more time to address the nation’s challenges.