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Engage In Dialogue Rather Than Protest – CSOs, Bloggers, Content Creators Urge Nigerians

Published

3 months ago

July 31, 2024

Jeph Ajayi

In a massive show of support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, hundreds of Civil Society Organisations have taken to the streets of Abuja, Lagos, and other major state capitals in what has been described as a pro-rally.

In Lagos, a joint speech delivered by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations urged Nigerians to channel their energy into constructive dialogue and collaboration with the government, rather than engage in protest that could bring chaos.

Murtala Adebayo who spoke on behalf of the over 20 groups said, “While we recognize the importance of expressing our concerns and advocating for change, we must also understand the potential dangers associated with organizing a violent protest”

He cautioned that protests, sometimes born out of genuine grievances, often lead to unintended consequences, adding that they can escalate into chaos, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and a breakdown of social order.

According to him, “The proposed protest, if not managed carefully, is at the risk of being hijacked by hoodlums and elements with malicious intent. This could transform a peaceful demonstration into an event marked by violence and disorder, ultimately diverting attention from the legitimate issues at hand. We must not allow our efforts to be overshadowed by acts of violence and lawlessness.”

In Abuja, the Women Supporting Women For Good Governance (WSWGG) said under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has witnessed transformative policies aimed at empowering women economically, noting that a violent protest has the potential to reverse the gains made so far.

…said the administration’s focus on women’s entrepreneurship has led to the creation of numerous initiatives providing financial support and training for female entrepreneurs. The establishment of microcredit schemes and grants has enabled countless women to start and expand their businesses, contributing to economic growth and reducing gender inequality.

“However, in light of the proposed protest, it is crucial to consider the potential risks and consequences. Protests, while a democratic right, can sometimes be hijacked by elements with malicious intent, leading to violence and disruption. Such outcomes could undermine the progress we have made, particularly in empowering women and promoting good governance.”

In his address at a separate rally, Mallam Abubakar Malami, Secretary General of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) urged Nigerians to consider alternative means of dialogue and engagement with the government.

According to him, “By working collaboratively, we can address our concerns while safeguarding the stability and progress we have achieved. Let us channel our energy towards constructive dialogue, fostering an environment of peace and development for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

He said in light of the achievements of the Tinubu administration, it is crucial to recognize the potential risks associated with the proposed protest.

He said, “While the right to protest is fundamental in a democracy, it is essential to ensure that our actions do not inadvertently disrupt the progress we have made. Unfortunately, protests can be susceptible to hijacking by hoodlums, leading to violence and destruction that undermine our collective efforts.”

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Featured

Sunday Akin Dare’s Appointment: A Round Peg In A Round Hole

Published

10 hours ago

October 30, 2024

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

The recent appointment of former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Akin Dare, as the new Presidential Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, is a move that deserves widespread commendation.

In a significant departure from previous practices, this strategic choice reflects a pragmatic approach to national development, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to excellence and impactful governance.

This appointment symbolizes the President’s dedication to assembling a team of competent, committed, and qualified individuals who are positioned to contribute meaningfully to the administration.

For those familiar with Dare’s career, politics, and achievements, it is clear that he is indeed a “round peg in a round hole” for this new role.

Sunday Dare brings a wealth of expertise as a seasoned media professional and a visionary leader. As the President’s special adviser, he is expected to leverage his extensive background in communications to effect positive change in Nigeria’s public communication landscape.

With over three decades of experience in journalism, Dare has made significant contributions to media and communications both locally and globally.

His journey began with publications such as *The Nation* magazine in New York and *Fourth Estate* magazine during Nigeria’s military era, where he became part of a group of courageous “guerrilla journalists” who risked their lives to oppose military dictatorship.

Dare’s career expanded internationally when he served as the Chief of the Hausa Service, African Division at Voice of America in Washington, DC. In this role, he led a team of journalists across seven African countries, showcasing his expertise in media management and his capacity to oversee complex operations effectively. His media management acumen was further evident during his role as Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and Communications under President Yar’Adua, where he influenced public information policies significantly.

Additionally, Dare was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape through strategic moves, including his key role in the 2014 sale of the 2.3 GHz spectrum frequency, which marked a pivotal shift in media convergence.

His dedication to promoting media excellence extends beyond government; as the founder of the Social Media Clinic, he championed digital literacy, highlighting his forward-thinking approach to harnessing technology for societal development.

Dare’s distinguished career also saw him as the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), where he was renowned for effectively navigating stakeholder relationships and driving strategic communication initiatives.

His contributions have been acknowledged with numerous accolades, including the Voice of America Meritorious Honor Award and the Reuters Foundation Journalism Research Fellowship.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in International Studies, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, and experiences from institutions like New York University, Harvard, and Oxford, Dare’s academic and professional credentials are noteworthy. He is a recipient of the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), further underscoring his dedication to national service.

Dare’s appointment is a testament to the vision of a government committed to elevating the standards of public communication and orientation in Nigeria.

As he steps into this role, Nigerians can expect to witness impactful communication initiatives that reflect both the President’s and Dare’s dedication to national progress.

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