Richard Elesho
The Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) in last year Kogi governorship election, Murtala Yakub Ajaka has called on protesters to shealth their swords and peace a chance stressing that their voices against hunger and bad governance have been heard.
Ajaka made this known in a statement he made available to newsmen on Thursday night, speaking on the sideline of the protest that broke out across the country.
“Fellow Nigerian Youths, You have spoken today, and your voices are clear and loud.
“First of all, I want to praise the bravery and determination of our young people for standing up against the economic challenges in Nigeria and advocating for an improved standard of living. It’s undeniable that things are not as they should be.
“Therefore, it’s difficult to outrightly condemn the youth for taking to the streets to express their displeasure.
“However, your voices have echoed across the nation and reached the ears of our president. Now, it is the time to give peaceful dialogue a chance.
“Protests of this nature are often hijacked by individuals with destructive motives. I must emphasize that resorting to violence, looting, and destruction of public and private properties is not the right way to communicate your grievances.
“It is crucial to remember that the purpose of this protest was to peacefully amplify your voices, express your anger, and get the attention of our president to urgently address the hardship across the country. We must not lose sight of this noble objective.
“I understand your frustration and the urgency for your demands to be met, but let us not forget that we are all Nigerians, brothers, and sisters. We share a common goal of a better future for our beloved country. It is through peaceful dialogue that we can achieve this goal.
“We have a listening president who understands the language of protest. He has heard you clearly, and I am confident he will address your concerns.
“By continuing the protest in its current state, we risk further division, chaos, and unnecessary loss of lives and properties. We must not let our frustrations blind us to the fact that there is a peaceful path to achieving the change we desire.
“It is time to give your government an opportunity to address your concerns across the country.
“Remember, our strength lies in our unity, and together, we can build the Nigeria we all desire. Let us embrace peace, engage in dialogue, and work towards a brighter future for our great nation.
“This Protest needs to stop now. May peace and harmony prevail in our land. God bless Nigeria”