The Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development (R.A.I.D) has expressed opposition to the proposed nationwide protests by the #EndBadGovernance group, scheduled from August 1st to 15th, against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a press release signed by Comrade Bitako Abubakar Umar, Director of Strategic Communications and Publicity, and issued in Bauchi on Wednesday, R.A.I.D emphasized that protests might not be the solution to Nigeria’s current difficulties.
The group acknowledged the socio-economic hardships, including economic challenges, insecurity, and social unrest, but cautioned that well-meaning efforts could be hijacked by those with ulterior motives.
“Even though we recognize that protesting grievances is a democratic right, it is not the most reliable or effective means to resolve issues. Protests alone will not provide the solutions we seek or crave,” the statement read. R.A.I.D called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to focus on dialogue and constructive engagement.
While affirming that the right to protest is enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, the group noted that recent calls for protests have been highly sensationalized and politically charged. They highlighted several government policies, including the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government Autonomy and student loan schemes, as steps that, if well implemented, would benefit citizens.
R.A.I.D commended President Tinubu’s commitment to democracy and visionary leadership through his 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda, which they believe promises a new era of hope and transformation for Nigeria. The group also acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts in distributing food palliatives and other empowerment programs to alleviate poverty, urging continued action to ease citizens’ suffering, including approving duty-free importation of major food items and new empowerment packages.
