Makinde should be on ground for leadership during planned nationwide protest,' Shelve planned protest if possible'- 2024 Oyo Guber Candidate, Teslim Folarin tells Nigerians

By

Omowumi Hannah, Ibadan

Three terms senator and 2024 Oyo State Gubernatorial Candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress,APC, Teslim Folarin has appealed to intending August 1 Protesters to shun violence.

The former gubernatorial candidate made the appeal on Sunday on his personal Facebook account.

According to him, there is no denial that there country passes through hard time due to economic reforms undertaken by the present administration, Folarin noted that the pains would lead the country to relief soonest.

Senator Folarin maintained that for years, protest has not eventuated positive result rather complications on socio-economics of any society.

"There is no denying the fact that Nigerian masses are currently undergoing economic hardship due to economic reforms being undertaken by the government. The government has been honest in admitting the hardship. The government has also assured that what Nigerians are currently going through is the pains that precedes the relief." 

The former senator reiterated the effort of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over total restoration of the nation's economy which has been greatly damaged by previous administrations.

"No responsible government would want its citizens to suffer, and I dare say, that no government would fold its hands while the citizens' livelihood and survival are being undermined. As Mr. President has said, he and his team are working round the clock to turn things around."

Folarin expressed his fear in the nationwide protest despite organizers have remained formally unidentified, saying that the security intelligence has indicated likely hijack which could serve as a replica of the 2020 EndSARS and Kenyans recent protest which claimed plenty of lives and property.

"As a stakeholder in our body polity, I have significant doubts that the planned nationwide protest would achieve any tangible. The reason is simple - the proposed nationwide protest tagged #DaysofRage, #EndBadGovernance and among others, is being championed by yet-to-be identified individuals and/or civil society organisations. Besides, security agencies have informed of credible intelligence of plans to hijack the protests."

"Let me make it crystal clear, that the right to protest is enshrined in Nigerian constitution and is a fundamental aspect of democracy, underscoring the public’s right to express discontent with government policies and actions. But can the country gamble on the protest not being hijacked by miscreants, thereby turning it to another #EndSARS?"

"Replicating Kenya's Gen Z protests in Nigeria is an ill-wind that will blow Nigeria and Nigerians no good."

Senator Folarin said the planned protest  could reduce investors' confidence, strength gaining to banditry, insurgency and other social vices in the country, which thereby may worsen the socio-economic nature of the country.

"My other area of concern, is that the planned nationwide protest is already hurting economic activities. There is already panic buying and selling. The planned protest, which is likely to turn violent will send a negative signal about Nigeria’s democratic stability, and further impact investors’ confidence.

"My last area of concern is that terrorists and criminal elements will take advantage to cause mayhem, and destabilise the country. Nigerians are reminded how hard we fought to enthrone this democracy."

Thus, the 2024 Oyo Viber candidate, Teslim Folarin appealed to Nigerians, especially the youths to shelve the protest l, calling for more patience and dialogue with the present administration as to measure its economic policies.

"To this end, I strongly appeal to Nigerians especially the youths to shelve their planned nationwide protests and be patient with the government. Let us give the government more time to properly implement its economic policies and programmes."

"Violent actions, which the protest is likely to lead to, are not the panacea to our current economic situation. Constructive dia­logue between government and citizens remains key."

Meanwhile, the former senator appealed to the governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde to shelve his annual leave for proper handling of the situation before, during and after the planned nationwide protest owing to peculiarities of the state in Southwestern part of Nigeria.

"I want to conclude by appealing to Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who is the leader of the state at this point in time, to cut short his annual holiday, so as to be on ground to provide leadership at this trying time. May I remind the governor that Ibadan is the third largest city in Nigeria and is a violent prone zone."