Violent protest may lead to chaos, impede progress, Orelope-Adefulire warns

Violent protest may lead to chaos, impede progress, Orelope-Adefulire warns

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has cautioned against the planned nationwide protest by individuals and groups.

She warned in a statement obtained on Saturday that it could plunge the country into chaos, impede progress, and undermine Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

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

The SSA to the President urged those calling for the protests to embrace dialogue with the government and offer sustainable solutions to the prevailing issues.

While emphasising that the right to peaceful protest is constitutional under Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, she called attention to the potential risks and unintended consequences of a leaderless and spontaneous movement.

According to her, the possibility of the protest escalating into uncontrollable crises necessitates a cautious approach.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire maintained that 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.

She stressed that maintaining law and order was paramount.

She also noted that the planned protest lacked clear leadership and organizational structure, adding that “spontaneity may appear democratic and inclusive, it poses significant risks.”

She said, “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 pointed out the consequences of such leaderless protests, citing the #EndSARS protest, which resulted in numerous casualties, wanton destruction, and vandalism, leaving many businesses looted, leading to loss of jobs and increasing unemployment in the country.

She said Nigeria had not fully recovered from the impact of the last violent protest.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire noted that while there are challenges such as insecurity, terrorism amidst social and economic issues facing the country, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was aware of their reverberating effects and remained committed to addressing them even in the face of the Global economic downturn.

“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.

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

Princess Orelope-Adefulire sued for caution regarding the proposed protest while calling for careful consideration and positive decisions for the safety and unity of the country.