The Women Support Women Community Network (WOSCONET), a leading women’s advocacy group, has made an impassioned plea to the youth of Nigeria, urging them to reconsider participating in the nationwide protest scheduled to commence on August 1st. The group also condemned the illegal sit-at-home orders that still continue to disrupt daily life in some states in the South East region.
This urgent appeal was delivered on Monday by Amb. Mrs. Amaka Nweke JP, the president of WOSCONET, in a strong statement on behalf of the womem group. Mrs. Nweke emphasized the potential dangers of the proposed protests and the ongoing sit-at-home directives, citing the tragic consequences of past protests.
"Remember that all those who died during EndSARS never came back to life," Mrs. Nweke stated solemnly. "Say no to bloody protest. Say no to protest in Southeast. Say no to protest in Enugu. God will make Nigeria great sooner than we expect."
Her message underscores the group's stance that violent protests are not the solution to Nigeria's problems. Instead, WOSCONET believes that positive change will come through divine intervention and constructive dialogue.
"The solution cannot come through protest. It will take God nothing to destroy those destroying Nigeria," Mrs. Nweke added. "Don't risk your life. Some families have never recovered after EndSARS."
WOSCONET's call to action extends to all relevant stakeholders, urging them to play a role in dissuading the youth from engaging in the proposed protest. The group is advocating for a united front to address the issues plaguing Nigeria without resorting to violence.
"We also call on all relevant stakeholders to join in a call to stop the proposed protest by talking sense to our youths" Mrs. Nweke concluded. "Let us seek peace and constructive solutions to our challenges."
Amb. Mrs. Amaka Nweke JP did not only appeal to the youth but also addressed the federal government, particularly President Bola Tinubu, urging him to consider the demands of the masses. She highlighted the severe economic hardship that has escalated following the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has led to widespread inflation.
"The untold hardship that worsened after the removal of the fuel subsidy has left many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet," Mrs. Nweke remarked. "Families can hardly feed due to the increase in the price of basic commodities. This economic strain is becoming unbearable for the average Nigerian."
She also noted the alarming rise in crime rates, attributing it to the increasing desperation among people who are grappling with poverty and hunger. "There's also increased crime as people are pushed to their limits, trying to survive in these harsh economic conditions," she said.
Mrs. Nweke emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to alleviate the suffering of the masses. She called on President Tinubu to take decisive steps to address these economic challenges and restore hope to the Nigerian people.
"The government must act swiftly to mitigate these issues," she asserted. "It's imperative that policies are put in place to provide relief to the suffering populace and to stabilize the economy."
She further warned about the dire consequences of protests, emphasizing the loss of lives and the destruction of critical infrastructure that often accompany such events. She pointed out that the aftermath of previous protests, such as the EndSARS movement, left a trail of devastation that communities are still struggling to recover from.
"Protests often lead to tragic loss of lives and the destruction of infrastructures that are vital for our daily lives," Mrs. Nweke explained. "We have seen how violent demonstrations can spiral out of control, resulting in damage to public properties, businesses, and essential services. These actions not only set back development but also create more hardship for the people they aim to help."
She highlighted that the rebuilding process after such destruction is lengthy and costly, further straining an already fragile economy. "When infrastructures are destroyed, it affects everyone. The cost of rebuilding is enormous and diverts resources from other critical needs," she added. "We must find peaceful and constructive ways to address our grievances without causing more harm to our communities."
WOSCONET’s statements reflect a broader sentiment of discontent and frustration within the country. While the proposed protest date draws nearer, the group's appeal for peace and dialogue, coupled with their call for government action, underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of the current unrest.
