By Hadiza Suleman
A former minister of petroleum (state), Chief Timipre Sylva, has urged youths across the country, especially those from Bayelsa State and Niger Delta, to shun the planned August 1 hardship protest.
Sylva, a former Bayelsa State governor, stated this in a message at the weekend.
In the message, entitled: “Dear Bayelsans, Proud Niger Deltans and Great Nigerians”, Sylva said, “The planned protest should be shelved. No problem has been solved by protests and agitation. Only constructive engagement solves problems. The anonymous organisers have reiterated that the protest is primarily about ending biting hunger.
“While we know that a right to peaceful assembly is protected by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, we also know that non-toxic constructive dissent and agreement are the most important ingredients of democracy.”
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved massive empowerment and employment schemes to improve the lot of teeming youths and people, adding that Tinubu was not aloof to the problems but had shown concern as a listening president.
Sylva said, “Upon assumption of office, President Tinubu began a major economic renaissance, building on the firm foundations of his predecessor. Rome wasn’t built in a day and clearly building an economy cannot be done in just over a year.
“Mr President’s promise and manifesto will definitely come to fruition, but the time he has been at the helm does not realistically afford him the time to do the magic expected from him.
“We should not forget that this government just granted our 774 LGA’s full autonomy. This means more employment, projects and empowerment at the grass-roots level where the most economically troubled Nigerians are.
“So I appeal for more time and understanding of the situation at hand, and the timeless wisdom that we do not throw out the baby and the bathwater.”
Sylva warned that the protests could lead to dangerous outcomes as opportunists and cynics could seize the events to unleash their devilish agenda.
Quoting him, “Every nation has its share of cynics and opportunists. There may be those who, beginning from the 1st of August, may appear at gatherings with ghoulish intentions. There are those who have been seeking this opportunity not out of patriotism or love but out of pure mischief.
“I urge our youths across the country to be vigilant and apply wisdom. Not everyone on the streets hopes for an end to hunger. Some minds have been warped, some influenced by powerful forces sabotaging our nation.
“I humbly implore you all, Bayelsans, Niger Deltans, Nigerians and our very illustrious youths to wait on your country, support our President and shelve the planned protests. We do not cut off our noses to spite our faces. Things are on course to improve.”
