Orelope-Adefulire: Planned protest lacks clear leadership… we need continuous dialogue

Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, senior special assistant to the president on sustainable development goals (SDG), says the planned protest lacks clear leadership and could escalate into an “uncontrollable” crisis.

A planned nationwide protest has been reportedly scheduled to commence on August 1 against the economic hardship in the country.

Orelope-Adefulire said in a statement on Saturday that the planned demonstration could lead the country into chaos and jeopardise Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the SDGs.

She said section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution gives the youths the right to protest but warned that a leaderless demonstration could have dire consequences.

“It is imperative to note that when crises and uncertainties prevail, the focus shifts from constructive dialogue and development to managing chaos,” the statement reads.

“The possibility of the protest escalating into uncontrollable crises necessitates a cautious approach.

“Meaningful progress can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, dialogue, and stability as globally recognized and enshrined in goal 16 of the SDGs. Therefore, maintaining law and order is paramount.

“Without designated leaders to guide and control the protest’s direction, the movement is vulnerable to infiltration by malicious elements.

“History has shown that leaderless protests can quickly devolve into chaos, resulting in property damage, violence, and loss of lives.”

She urged those calling for protest to embrace dialogue and put into consideration the “casualties, wanton destruction, and vandalism” recorded during the #EndSARS demonstration in 2023.

“What the country needs now is a continuous dialogue and the collective responsibility of the citizenry to support the government in promoting the welfare and security of the people, as stipulated in section 24(d) of the Nigerian Constitution,” she added.

“This responsibility includes fostering an environment conducive to constructive dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.”