PLANNED NATIONWIDE PROTEST, WHO ARE THE CONVENERS?
I saw a message of a nationwide protest against the federal government and the current economic downturn in the country. I tried to read through the reasons for the protest and I got confused the more. I am one person who has always advocated for a total overhaul of our political system, institutions of goverment and agencies. I 've even advocated for us to vote people with credible antecedents and integrity into political office.
But in life we must question whatever we do as a people. The planned protest on the 5th of February 2017, who are the conveners of it? What is the modus operandi? What has prompted it? Who are the sponsors and what exactly are we protesting for or against? This must be spelt out to avoid it been hijacked by politicians, hoodlums and even the current secessionist criers. What are the things that should be demanded by the would be protesters? Regime change? Slashing of National Assembly members allowances and salaries? Slashing of all Government officials salaries? Speedy expedition of court cases? Putting a stop to unecessary politicking, halt of the current self sustenance policies? Or what exactly? I read from the article of the said protest that why has kerosene gone from #50 to #400. And one would ask, when was kerosene #50 per litre in Nigeria? What is the level of grasp of economic political and socio-economic situation by those behind the protest or is this another case of some group of people deceived by politicians to further heat up the already flaming polity and further frustrate Nigerians. Or another case of some youths who sat down in their room to formulate anything and broadcast it without any meaningful reasons behind it. Like the bathe with salt to cure Ebola years ago.
I learnt legendary musicians like 2face, has indicated interest in the protest but further comments from him reveals that he is not the convener but just retweeted the message. Those behind the protest must be bold to come out and brief the people about the upcoming protest and give it credibility. If not Nigerians should be weary of those who are only thinking of their pocket and need to fulfil their pledge to their sponsors. Nigerians mind what you Protest against or for.
Princewill Chimereze.
@P_Chimereze
Writer, Public Affairs Analyst and Social Commentator. 