The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), has called on the Nigerian Youths to dialogue with the Government amidst the ravaging economic hardship that has plagued the country. The Council says protest shouldn’t be the first and probably not the best approach to tackle the hunger situation in the country.
Addressing the Press, during the State of the Nation emergency World Press Conference held in Abuja on Tuesday 30th, July 2024. The Executive Director of the Council Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu Reiterated that the Council being the conscience of the masses and watchdog of society, fully understand and share the frustrations and pain caused by high alarming cost of living in the Nigeria, biting hunger, insecurity, joblessness and other challenges in the country.
Akinlosotu assured that NCSCN boldly condemns the unprecedented hardship facing average Nigerians as a result of the policies of subsidy removal and floating of the Naira.
“It is unarguably the responsibility of Government to provide for the welfare and security of the people and no excuse for failure is acceptable, hence there is an urgent need for effective and inclusive policies to uplift Nigerians collective well-being”
However, It is a fact that violence only worsens situations, often leading to uncontrollable looting, burning of properties, and destruction of vital infrastructure. Such actions do not solve problems; instead, they create new ones and set the country back in her pursuit of progress. Akinlosotu urge all those planning to protest to consider the broader implications and potential dangers and losses of their actions on the country collective peace, stability, and development.
“The Council is confident that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has listening ears and is committed to improving the living condition of every Nigerian as these policies were implemented out of patriotism and love for the country, requiring time to mature and yield dividends” he said
Engr. Ifeanyi Uzoh, one of the director of the Council, while addressing the press, advises the Federal Government to go back to the memory lane and reintroduce the Presidential Youth Dialogue that was established by the previous democratic leaders, to help bridge the gap between the Youths and the Government.
Uzoh opined that President Tinubu should address the Youth himself directly rather than using proxy. He noted that proxy is not representing nor communicating issues that concerns the youths to accordingly.
Also Comrade Yemi Success noted that protest is an integral ingredient of democracy.
“The clear intention of every protester is to positively and effectively affect the status quo, for the purpose of improvement and betterment. However protest that will disrupt positive achievements and endanger lives should be avoided” he said.
Yemi confidently observed that the communication bridge between the youths and the FG is zero, almost non-existant, and should be addressed immediately.