The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), a non-governmental organization, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against considering the adoption of the model used in Kenya’s recent anti-tax protest.
Retired Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CCC, conveyed this warning during a press conference on the centre’s Conflict Trends Analysis (CTA) for the second quarter on Monday in Abuja.
Olukolade expressed concern about individuals suggesting that Nigeria replicate the destructive protests seen in Kenya as a means to address the country’s economic challenges.
“While the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed, any form of destruction and violence in the name of protest should be avoided. The Kenyan experience is not and should not be our democratic model,” Olukolade stated.
He emphasized that violence has no positive outcome and that actions leading to violence and destruction should be strongly discouraged. Olukolade highlighted the existing multifaceted internal security challenges Nigeria faces and warned that violent protests could provide opportunities for criminals to cause further mayhem.
“The aftermath of the ‘EndSARS Protest’ is still fresh in our minds, and we therefore call on our youths to shun anything that will engender crisis and destruction in any part of our country,” he added.
Olukolade also urged the government to proactively address the prevailing challenges to de-escalate tension in the polity, expressing deep concern about the rising tension and restiveness in some parts of the country.
