With few days to the planned nationwide hunger protests in the country, Nigerians have been warned against copying the recent protests in Kenya, as it could have unintended and detrimental consequences.
Ambassador Ibrahim Tajudeen Shola issued the warning in a statement in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Sunday.
While asserting that the Kenyan protests highlight the potential power of public dissent, he argued that “rather than follow a disruptive path, Nigerians should focus on constructive engagement, support for ongoing reforms and holding local governments accountable.
“By working collaboratively within the framework of democratic processes, we can address our challenges more effectively and build a more stable and prosperous future,” he stated.
According to Ibrahim, “In recent weeks, calls for protests against the administration of President Bola Tinubu have surged across Nigeria. While dissent and public demonstrations are integral to a healthy democracy, the current wave of calls for protests appears to be premature and counterproductive given the administration’s significant efforts to address our nation’s economic woes.
“President Tinubu’s administration has undertaken a series of ambitious economic reforms designed to tackle Nigeria’s long-standing challenges, including rampant unemployment and economic instability.”
He explained that the initiatives, though met with some immediate hurdles, aim to stabilize the nation’s economy and create sustainable job opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
However, the scope of these reforms, ranging from regulatory changes to investment in infrastructure, requires time to manifest tangible results.
“Yet, rather than supporting these crucial reforms, recent calls for protests risk undermining the very foundation upon which this economic recovery is being built.”
Ambassador Ibrahim advanced reasons why the Kenyan experience should not be allowed in Nigeria, saying “the demonstrations, marked by thousands storming the Kenyan Parliament and parts of the building being set on fire, underscore a critical point.
“While protests can be a powerful form of dissent, copying this approach in Nigeria could lead to adverse consequences and fail to address our unique challenges effectively.
“The protests in Kenya, sparked by the Finance Bill 2024, highlighted significant public unrest over proposed tax increases.
On June 25, 2024, thousands of protesters stormed the Kenyan Parliament Building in Nairobi, driven by outrage over the bill’s proposed tax hikes.
“The situation escalated with some protesters setting parts of the building on fire, leading to considerable property damage and further unrest.
“While the intensity of these protests captured global attention, they also illustrate several risks and challenges that Nigeria should carefully consider before adopting similar tactics.
“Nigeria has avenues for constructive engagement that could lead to more effective solutions. Engaging in dialogue with policymakers, participating in public consultations, and using democratic processes to address grievances are more productive ways to influence policy without causing widespread disruption,” he added.
Don’t copy Kenyans, hunger protests may have unintended consequences in Nigeria – Tajudeen warns
