The National President of Southern Youths Development Forum Inc. Pastor Bassey James, has called for the suspension of the planned nationwide protest.
The youth leader, giving his reason for preaching against the demonstration appealed to young Nigerians to dialogue with the government, saying that some people could hijack the protest to cause crisis, mayhem and destruction of critical national assets.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo Akwa Ibom State capital, he disclosed that if the protest is allowed, “there will be massive economic losses, suffering and violence which will be a setback in the country, saying most businesses are yet to recover from EndSARS protests of 2020, even the government has not fully rebuild the infrastructures destroyed then and this one will compound the issues”.
According to James, “The tension across the nation is high and patriotism demands that we come together in a time like this to preach peace, unity and love in the overall interest of Nigeria. We are already planning a national youths dialogue which will be kickstarted in Abuja, Uyo, Kaduna and Lagos.
“It is better to talk, discuss and build a united Nigeria for the benefit of all and ensure equal opportunities.”
On President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, he appealed that Mr president has good intentions for the country assuring that things will change for the best under him because he is a pro-masses oriented president who has fought and supported democracy over the years.
He maintained that the president met a terrible economy left behind by his predecessors and he is doing everything in his power to make things right.
He said, “Mr president is putting in place, sustainable economic blueprints which is a work in progress. The indicators are feasible in security, human resources development, infrastructures, agricultural education and other areas.
“However, some of the good things will take sometimes a few months, it is not possible for a government that is only a year to do all the things, but Nigerians can see the sincerity of purpose in this administration.
“In the past, we have raised the issue of government going into massive economic revolution in agriculture, and housing across the states but we were ignored. Today, we are paying the price for the neglect of the issue, a country that depends on imported goods will suffer great consequences. I want us to give President Bola Tinubu some time to reconstruct, rebuild the nation.
“We all know that the constitutional rights of every Nigerian on protest but we are afraid the enemies may take advantage to destroy our country.”
