Arewa Stakeholders Warn Nigerians to Avoid Proposed Protest

The Arewa Stakeholders Forum has cautioned Nigerians against participating in the nationwide strike scheduled for August 1, 2024. 

Instead, the forum advocates for ongoing dialogue with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to address the country’s hardships.

In a statement by Prof. Shuiabu Aliyu, following a closed-door meeting with stakeholders at the Arewa House Center for Research and Historical Documentation in Kaduna, the forum emphasized seeking dialogue to resolve issues.

“We recognize the social challenges of hyperinflation, unemployment, and hunger affecting the masses. However, after our discussions, we urge Nigerians to consider alternatives to protests,” the statement read.

Aliyu highlighted that Nigerians should take lessons from the situations in Venezuela, Yemen, Syria, and Sudan, warning that the planned protest could result in significant casualties and displacement, similar to Sudan’s experience.

“Civil strikes are often exploited by those wishing to destabilize the ruling government, whether they are opposition parties or foreign adversaries. These strikes lead to unrest, causing loss of lives, and destruction of economic activities and natural resources. In Sudan, over 150,000 people died, and more than two million were displaced,” he said.