Friday 26th July, 2024
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Rock Presidential Villa
FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
Dear Mr. President,
Subject: Urgent Appeal to Prevent Imminent Civil Unrest
Sir, I address you today with profound urgency and deep concern as our nation stands on the brink of a potential crisis. The intensifying economic hardships and pervasive frustration among our citizens have created an environment ripe for unprecedented civil unrest and the planned protests, if left unchecked, possess the potential to become the most significant upheaval in our nation’s history, so immediate and decisive action is crucial to avert such a dire outcome.
Historically, Nigeria has witnessed the devastating effects of mass protests as the events of June 12, 1993 and the subsequent unrest underscored the profound impact of political discontent on national stability. The #EndSARS protests of 2020 which were sparked by widespread grievances about police brutality, resulted in tragic losses, including at least 12 reported fatalities and numerous injuries across the country.
Additionally, over 200 properties were damaged or destroyed and countless businesses suffered significant colossal economic losses. These instances, though significant, could pale in comparison to the scale and intensity of the current discontent if not addressed with utmost required urgency.
Sir, the economic landscape today is marked by excruciating hardships that have pushed many citizens to the edge and equally the soaring inflation rates, acute food shortages and widespread unemployment have collectively contributed to a climate of desperation in the land. The prevailing sentiment among the populace is one of disillusionment and anger, reflecting a broader overwhelming dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of these critical prevailing issues.
Recent indicators suggest that the forthcoming protests are not merely symbolic gestures of dissent but represent a serious and determined overwhelming massive movement. The commitment to these protests is driven by the stark reality of daily struggles, rendering traditional methods of suppression—such as military or security interventions—ineffective in quelling the unrest as the people’s resolve, grounded in genuine hardship, is unlikely to be deterred by force alone.
In all honesty and frankly speaking, in addressing this crisis, it is vital to engage directly with the citizens rather than relying solely on traditional interlocutors such as local rulers or governors. While these figures undoubtedly hold significant influence, the primary grievances of the populace stem from their immediate experiences and challenges and so direct dialogue with ordinary citizens will provide more accurate insights into their needs and aspirations, facilitating more effective and targeted interventions.
Furthermore, it is imperative that those identified already by the Department of State Services (DSS) according to newspapers report as key activists and thought leaders be invited to roundtable meetings with you without delay. These individuals, who are deeply engaged with the grassroots and influential within their communities, can possibly offer invaluable perspectives and contribute to the formulation of effective solutions and engaging with these leaders directly will not only address their concerns but also serve as a conduit for broader public sentiment.
To facilitate this critical dialogue, I recommend that all non-essential presidential activities be minimized temporarily for now that will allow you to dedicate the necessary time and focus to these crucial discussions and demonstrate the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis effectively. Your full engagement with the concerned stakeholders will be a powerful signal of the administration’s dedication to addressing the root causes of the unrest promptly and holistically
Moreover, the current crisis unsurreptitiously highlights systemic issues that transcend immediate economic difficulties and it reflects broader concerns about governance, transparency and accountability. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that not only tackles the symptoms of discontent but also strengthens the institutional frameworks that support democratic governance and economic stability. The establishment of a high-level task force, including representatives from diverse sectors, could ensure a comprehensive response to these systemic challenges.
In addition, public perception of government actions and intentions plays a critical role in either exacerbating or mitigating unrest and ensuring that all governmental responses are both visible and comprehensible will foster greater public trust. This involves not only transparent communication but also proactive measures to involve community representatives in decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the legitimacy of the government’s actions.
Furthermore, international support and collaboration could also be valuable in this context as engaging with international organizations and development partners to seek technical assistance and financial support could provide additional resources for addressing immediate needs and implementing long-term reforms. Demonstrating a willingness to collaborate on these fronts will underscore Nigeria’s commitment to resolving its challenges and garner external support for its efforts.
Finally, it is crucial to establish a framework for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the interventions and this should includes setting up mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of the relief measures and reforms and making adjustments as necessary. Continuous feedback from citizens and stakeholders will ensure that the government’s actions remain responsive to the evolving needs of the populace and contribute to sustained stability.
Mr. President, your leadership during this critical juncture is of utmost importance and obviously by taking proactive measures within the few days remaining, including engaging directly with key activists and thought leaders and temporarily reducing other presidential activities, you can steer the nation away from the brink of disaster and towards a path of recovery and renewal and in this dimension or political trajectory the potential for significant civil unrest can be transformed into an opportunity for meaningful change and strengthened national unity.
Sir, I firmly believe that with the right guidance and wisdom, which I trust GOD Almighty will bestow upon you, you will definitely navigate this challenging situation appropriately and effectively. Your decisive actions, undertaken immediately, will not only address the immediate concerns but also lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future for all Nigerians. The responsibility to safeguard the nation’s integrity and well-being rests solely on your shoulders as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I trust in your ability to rise to this challenge at this monumental critical material time.
My wish for your presidency is that you succeed exceedingly and overwhelmingly too by GOD’s grace and I am confident that with your leadership, we can navigate this crisis and emerge stronger as a nation.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Oluyemisi Ayinde
APC Member
Ikeja Ward E, Lagos
Email :- ayindeconsult@yahoo.com
