He similarly urged the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to cut short his annual holiday and provide leadership during this challenging time.
A former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, has warned that the planned nationwide protests against the current economic hardship will only worsen the pains of Nigerians and further damage the country’s economy.
Folarin, who contested the governorship seat of Oyo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, said that while the right to protest is enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, the proposed “Days of Rage” and “#EndBadGovernance” protests are likely to be hijacked by miscreants, turning them into another “#EndSARS” situation.
In his address made available to Vanguard on Sunday, Folarin acknowledged the economic hardship Nigerians are currently facing due to the government’s reforms, but said the administration has been honest in admitting the challenges and assured that the pains will precede relief.
“No responsible government would want its citizens to suffer, and I dare say, that no government would fold its hands while the citizens’ livelihood and survival are being undermined,” Folarin said.
The former Senate Leader expressed concerns that the planned protests would hurt economic activities, send a negative signal about Nigeria’s democratic stability, and impact investors’ confidence.
He also warned that terrorists and criminal elements could take advantage of the protests to cause mayhem and destabilise the country.
Folarin said: “There is no denying the fact that Nigerian masses are currently undergoing economic hardship due to economic reforms being undertaken by the government. The government has been honest in admitting the hardship. The government has also assured that what Nigerians are currently going through is the pains that precedes the relief.”
“As a stakeholder in our body polity, I have significant doubts that the planned nationwide protest would achieve any tangible. The reason is simple – the proposed nationwide protest tagged #DaysofRage, #EndBadGovernance and among others, is being championed by yet-to-be identified individuals and/or civil society organisations. Besides, security agencies have informed of credible intelligence of plans to hijack the protests.”
“Let me make it crystal clear, that the right to protest is enshrined in Nigerian constitution and is a fundamental aspect of democracy, underscoring the public’s right to express discontent with government policies and actions. But can the country gamble on the protest not being hijacked by miscreants, thereby turning it to another #EndSARS?”
“Replicating Kenya’s Gen Z protests in Nigeria is an ill-wind that will blow Nigeria and Nigerians no good.”
“My other area of concern, is that the planned nationwide protest is already hurting economic activities. There is already panic buying and selling.”
“The planned protest, which is likely to turn violent will send a negative signal about Nigeria’s democratic stability, and further impact investors’ confidence.”
“My last area of concern is that terrorists and criminal elements will take advantage to cause mayhem, and destabilise the country. Nigerians are reminded how hard we fought to enthrone this democracy.”
Folarin, however, appealed to Nigerians, especially the youth, to shelve the planned nationwide protests and be patient with the government as it works to implement its economic policies and programs.
He similarly urged the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to cut short his annual holiday and provide leadership during this challenging time.
“Violent actions, which the protest is likely to lead to, are not the panacea to our current economic situation. Constructive dialogue between government and citizens remains key,” he stressed.