Reps minority caucus kicks against planned protest, says it could turn chaotic

The minority caucus in the house of representatives says it is not in support of the planned nationwide protest.

There have been reports that youths are planning a nationwide protest against the rising cost of living on August 1. 

The opposition lawmakers said the protest may be hijacked by hoodlums seeking to wreak havoc in the country.

The lawmakers asked the federal government to dialogue with organisers of the protest. 

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Kingsley Chinda, leader of the caucus, said his colleagues are against the protests because it could exacerbate insecurity. 

“We also appealed to the government to dialogue with the planned protesters and also look at some of the messages they are raising, the critical areas that need government intervention,” Chinda, who was flanked by his colleagues, said.

“Government should intervene and ensure that issues are resolved amicably. 

“We are not going to encourage any protesters because in the past we have observed in most cases that even peaceful protests have been overtaken by hoodlums and with the insecurity situation in some parts of the country, you may not have control of the gathering of people.

“So, some unscrupulous people may use the opportunity to create chaos.

“So we are discouraging any protest but we appeal to government to dialogue and also look at critical areas that are necessary and address them amicably.

“We acknowledge and observe the insecurity situation in the country and we call on the government to use carrot and stick by ensuring that the results are seen.

“Let all the security chiefs do what is right to ensure that Nigerians are protected.”

The lawmakers asked the government to move beyond providing palliatives to creating sustainable opportunities.

“We also acknowledged in our discussion that there is hunger in the land and we appeal to the government not only to be giving palliatives but to create ways and means whereby people can be self-reliant,” Chinda said.