AS some youths in the country insist on engaging the Nigerian government in series of protests across the country, a leading Eminent Peace Ambassador Amb. Tom John has called for strong dialogue between the government and stakeholders.
The Ambassador, who is the Focal point of the International Association Of World Peace Advocates IAWPA to the African Union made this known in a statement issued in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria where addressed issues on the planned protests scheduled from August 1st to August 10th, 2024.
He said as an advocate of peace, he strongly urge the government to engage in dialogue with the protest organizers to address the pressing issues causing hardship across the nation.
He said the escalating cost of living, particularly the rising fuel prices, has had a profound impact on the daily lives of Nigerians. Stressing that the economic strain has led to increased poverty, with many citizens struggling to afford basic necessities.
He said the situation has unfortunately driven some individuals towards criminal activities as a means of survival, and the nation has witnessed an alarming rise in unemployment among graduates.
Ambassador John stressed that as an advocate as well as other peace advocates of peace, they acknowledge the right to protest as a legitimate means of expressing discontent while urging governmental action.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential for these protests to be hijacked by miscreants, leading to violence and chaos. The tragic events at the Lagos Tollgate is a somber reminder of the potential consequences when peaceful protests are disrupted
“In light of these concerns, we believe that dialogue is the most effective way forward. We encourage the government to listen to the grievances of the people and take immediate steps to address the economic challenges, particularly by by reducing fuel prices. This will help alleviate the suffering of many Nigerians and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
“We are committed to supporting peace efforts and are ready to assist in facilitating constructive dialogue between the government and the youth. It is imperative that we work together to find peaceful solutions and avoid actions that could escalate tensions and harm our country.
“We have no other home but Nigeria, and it is in our collective interest to ensure peace and stability. We stand firm in our commitment to promoting peace in Nigeria,acrossAfrica, and globally”, John stated.
