The Third Republic House of Representatives Forum has voiced its opposition to the planned protest on August 1, citing concerns that it may incite unrest due to the rampant drug abuse among the youth population.
Basil Okafor, the chairman of the 1992 forum, expressed this stance during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Abuja on Friday. “We are here to raise our concerns about the upcoming protest. We firmly oppose it,” he stated.
Okafor acknowledged that while protests can effectively draw governmental attention to pressing political and economic concerns, the troubling issue of drug use among young people cannot be overlooked.
“Although the right to protest is a fundamental aspect of democracy, we must also recognize the potential negative impacts that can arise in a fraught atmosphere, particularly given the high rates of drug abuse among our youth,” he remarked.
He referenced recent incidents in Kenya and Uganda as cautionary tales, suggesting that the organizers of the Nigerian protest might be seeking to replicate similar scenarios.
In a society already facing significant tension, Okafor warned that protests could exacerbate existing issues, leading to further division among the populace and heightening tensions.
“In such a polarized environment, marked by conflicting ideologies and deep emotional divides, protests can quickly turn into flashpoints for violence and civil disorder,” he added.
He expressed concern that underlying frustration, anger, and resentment could boil over into chaos, undermining the intended purpose of the protest and endangering both individuals and property.
Furthermore, Okafor highlighted the risk of manipulation and exploitation of protests in volatile contexts. He noted that extremist groups or political factions might take advantage of such demonstrations to push their own agendas during times of crisis.
“These groups may infiltrate peaceful protests, incite violence, and spread false information, thereby distorting the original intent of the demonstration and weakening its message,” he explained.
He reiterated, “While protests can indeed catalyze positive societal change, we must exercise caution regarding their potential repercussions in highly charged environments.”
Okafor concluded by advocating for responsible action, encouraging open dialogue and seeking common ground as alternatives to protests in order to promote positive change without inciting further conflict.
