ABUJA (SUNDIATA POST)- Rev. John Hayab, Country Director, Global Peace Foundation, an international NGO, has said that it would be unfair to blame the nation’s current challenges on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Doing that will be counter-productive; it will be unfair and counterproductive,” Hayab told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
He was reacting to plans by some groups to stage protests against the Tinubu government.
The said protests are slated for August 1-10.
“The challenges we face today are not solely the result of the current government’s policies.
“While it is easy to point fingers at those in power, we must recognise that the problems we face today are the culmination of decades of mismanagement, corruption and policy failures.
“It is essential for Nigerians to understand that blaming the current government alone oversimplifies the situation.
“It will be unjust to place the entire burden of these problems on the shoulders of those currently in power,” he said.
Hayab acknowledged the frustration felt by many Nigerians, but cautioned against the potential consequences of planned protests.
“While the right to protest is essential in a democracy, we must be mindful of the timing and the possible repercussions on the peace and stability of our nation.
“At this critical juncture, we need to prioritise dialogue and constructive engagement rather than division and unrest.”
Hayab’s comments come as various civil society groups have announced intentions to organise protests aimed at holding government accountable for what they describe as “failure to address pressing economic and social issues”.
He urged the groups to consider alternative methods for expressing their grievances, “especially peaceful dialogue with government officials and community leaders”.
“Let us come together as a nation, regardless of our differences, and work towards solutions that benefit all Nigerians.
“We must remember that peace is the foundation upon which progress is built. We cannot afford to jeopardise it through actions that may lead to chaos,” he added.(NAN)
