PROTEST AND PROTECT, DON’T VANDALIZE HER: Amb.DR Moshood Ismail Abioye
Provided the unscrupulous elements won’t hijack the protest, it’s not a bad idea as it will serve as a wake-up call to the government of the day not to sleep at the wheel.
It can’t be denied that the atmosphere in all our systems is uncomfortable, but this didn’t start with this administration. Let us pray and hope for the best. Our love for our country will not make us keep silent. However, our past experiences with protests are worrisome. A sensible Nigerian would not want a repeat of scenarios where lives and properties, both private and public, were lost. Our economy needs all hands on deck, both within the private and public sectors. We must ensure every day is productive.
It is crystal clear: Nigeria belongs to all. Individual Nigerians who make up the current government don’t have excessive power over others. If the protest happens, it should be managed to prevent it from escalating into abuse, looting, vandalism, and mayhem. This will necessitate law enforcement officers upholding their primary functions of protecting lives and properties, avoiding the ugly events we don’t want, like the past Lekki Toll Gate massacre.
While the protest is a critical call to the government about the hardships Nigerians are enduring, I would like to call on our leaders to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians and Nigeria first. Our leaders should turn this country into a productive nation. The faceless leaders of the protest might have a plan, but millions of others are jobless and see the protest days as opportunities for activities that will set the nation back. We are in a period in Nigeria where our production ought to be 24/7 due to the high cost of living. Leadership empathy must be seen, felt, and enjoyed by all. Initiatives like salary increases for civil servants and financial autonomy for local governments are commendable, but reducing government expenses and investing in industrialization across the six geopolitical zones is crucial.
We need constant electricity, mechanized farming, large-scale government participation in business and commerce to prevent monopolies, and accessible, transparent governance through digital skills.
The protest should awaken the youth, the largest demographic, to be politically involved. We must love and support each other, embodying the saying, “We rise by lifting others.” As protesters beg Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a better Nigeria, have you begged yourself for being cold-hearted to your neighbor? Have you called for a change of heart among our lazy nurses, doctors, and corrupt policemen and women? Have you addressed the nonchalant attitudes of drivers, artisans, landlords, government officials, and local government councils?
As we clamor for a good government, have you called for a change in our attitudes towards Nigeria? Do you speak ill of her and expect greatness for yourself? As we call for the best, be a plus to this country by doing what is right and just. Protest and protect her, don’t vandalize or tear her apart. Save her and nurture her for the generations yet to come.
Nigeria is great. With your impact, my contribution, and all our efforts, she will be great and blessed again for our benefit and the world at large.
God bless Nigeria. God bless the Moshood Ajadi Foundation.
Founder, Moshood Ajadi Foundation, Mosh Estrella Institute.
