Protest: Obanikoro appeals to youths to be patient with Tinubu

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs and a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has made an impassioned plea to the youth to exercise patience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government and refrain from the planned nationwide protest.

In a statement personally signed on Friday in Lagos, Obanikoro, who also served as a Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, acknowledged the country’s challenges and the mounting frustration among young people. However, he urged them to trust in the government’s efforts to address their concerns and work towards a better future.

Obanikoro emphasized that the youth are the backbone of the nation and a driving force for change. He recognized the high levels of discomfort, poverty, and inequality fueling widespread discontent but assured the youth that the government is tirelessly working to create opportunities, improve infrastructure, and provide access to quality education, healthcare, and essential resources.

The statement reads in part: “My dear young ones and all Nigerians, I appeal to you to be patient with President Tinubu to make things right. He inherited most of these challenges, and change does not happen overnight. I can assure you that he and his team are committed to laying the foundation for a prosperous future, and we need your patience and understanding to achieve this goal.

“As a concerned leader and citizen, I recognize your constitutional rights to protest but ask you to reconsider the planned protest against the government due to the current level of insecurity resulting from ethnic and religious conflicts. Furthermore, the possibility of those with ill intentions hijacking the protest is real. I understand your frustrations and concerns about the country’s challenges and acknowledge the passion and energy driving your desire for change.

“However, I urge you to consider the potential consequences of protests, including harm to well-intentioned protesters, unrest, looting, and other negative activities which may be exploited by malicious actors.

“There are reasons for optimism. Government policies require time to manifest in our lives. Investments in infrastructure, healthcare, technology, education, including student loans, fighting insecurities, and ensuring a stable power supply are evidence of the government’s commitment to building a better future.

“Rather than embarking on protests that may lead to the wanton destruction of private and public property, I urge the youth to engage with the government and participate in the democratic process.

“Despite the frustrations, it is crucial to trust in the government’s efforts to address your concerns. By working together, I believe that Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for all.”