BAYELSA (Sundiata Post) – A former Petroleum Minister (State), Chief Timipre Sylva, has called on youths across the country, especially those from Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta to shun the planned August 1 hardship protest.
Sylva, a former Bayelsa State governor in a message at the weekend, entitled, Dear Bayelsans, Proud Niger Deltans, and Great Nigerians, said the protest should be shelved because agitations had solved no problem.
“The planned protest should be shelved. Protests and agitation have solved no problem. Only constructive engagement solves problems. The anonymous organizers have reiterated that the protest is primarily about ending biting hunger.
“While we know that a right to peaceful assembly is protected by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
“We also know that non-toxic constructive dissent and agreement are the most important ingredient of democracy,” he said.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved massive empowerment and employment schemes that would improve the lot of teeming youths and people adding that Tinubu was not aloof to the problems but had shown concern as a listening President.
While appealing to the people to give the President more time, Sylva said noted assumption of office, President Tinubu began a major economic renaissance, building on the firm foundations of his predecessor.
“Mr President’s promise and manifesto will come to fruition, but the time he has been at the helm does not realistically afford him, the time to do the magic expected from him.
According to him, the Tinubu administration just granted the 774 local government areas full autonomy which means more employment, projects, and empowerment at the grassroots level where the most economically troubled Nigerians reside.
Sylva warned that uncoordinated and spontaneous protests could lead to dangerous and ambiguous outcomes as opportunists and cynics could seize the events to unleash their devilish agenda.
“I humbly implore you all, Bayelsans, Niger Deltans, Nigerians, and our very illustrious youths to wait on Nigeria and support our President and shelve the planned protests.”
