JNI to youths: Dialogue with FG — protest not the solution

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has appealed to organisers of the planned protest and the federal government to engage in dialogue.

In a statement on Friday, Khalid Aliyu, JNI secretary-general, said a discussion must be had before the situation degenerates.

He said although Nigerians are passing through difficulties, a protest might not be the solution.

“The JNI under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, with all sense of responsibility appeals to the protest convener, their covert and overt benefactors,” the statement reads.

“As well as other critical stakeholders and the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently engage in critical and realistic dialogue before the situation degenerates or snowballs into an uncontrollable scenario.

“Nigerians no doubt are passing through difficult challenges, but protest might not be the panacea.”

Aliyu said the global landscape is replete with sordid tales of repercussion of protests in Libya, Syria, Iraq, US, Ukraine, Tunisia, Sudan, and Russia.

He said violent demonstrations rendered most of these countries either ungovernable or partly destroyed.

“A glance through the events in Kenya give some glimpses of what might envelop our dear nation Nigeria, which is struggling to survive the multiple challenges that dot the landscape of the country,” the statement reads.

“Undoubtedly, protest in Nigeria could mar our efforts at addressing these challenges.

“As it may, we should learn from the bad experiences of protests in other climes and we should avoid the booby traps they had fallen into.”

He appealed to the federal government to make more frantic efforts to secure the country so that citizens would have access to their lands.

He added that government should enhance quality education — especially primary, technical and vocational education.

He said the Sultan of Sokoto asked all Nigerians to be introspective and honest on the matter, saying the discontentment and disillusionment being expressed are real and needed to be tackled head-on by the government.

“Therefore, the JNI is compelled to make this clarion call and passionate plea to all concerned parties. We have stated times without number in our previous press releases, that food security is synonymous with home security,” the statement reads.

“We pray for guidance, protection, good health, and peace for all leaders, and for tranquility to prevail in Nigeria.”