Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Nigeria’s Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, has issued a stern warning regarding the planned nationwide protests.
She emphasized that such actions could plunge Nigeria into chaos, impede progress, and undermine the nation’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Orelope-Adefulire appealed for calm and urged those organizing the protests to consider the potential for significant disruption and to instead engage in constructive dialogue with the government.
She noted that during crises, the focus shifts from development to chaos management, which detracts from the country’s progress.
While acknowledging that peaceful protest is a constitutional right under Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, she cautioned about the risks of a leaderless and spontaneous movement. Without clear leadership, she argued, protests are vulnerable to infiltration by malicious elements, which can lead to violence and property damage. She referenced the #EndSARS protests as a historical example of how leaderless movements can devolve into chaos, resulting in casualties, destruction, and economic setbacks.
Orelope-Adefulire emphasized that meaningful progress can only be achieved in an environment of peace and stability, aligning with Goal 16 of the SDGs. She highlighted the administration’s awareness of the country’s challenges, including insecurity and terrorism, and its commitment to addressing these issues despite global economic difficulties.
She called for continuous dialogue and collective responsibility from the citizenry to support the government in promoting welfare and security, as outlined in Section 24(d) of the Nigerian Constitution. This includes fostering an environment conducive to constructive dialogue and sustainable development.
In her concluding remarks, Orelope-Adefulire urged caution regarding the proposed protests and appealed for decisions that prioritize the safety and unity of the country.
