Kwara group rejects protest, cites #EndSARS aftermath

A coalition, Kwara State Consultative Civil Society Forum has warned against the planned nationwide protest, saying that its outcome is likely to be a repeat of the ugly “End SARS” scenario witnessed in October 2020.

Instead of protest, the group called for constructive dialogue, advocacy and community engagement as steps to address the challenges in the country.

The Convener of KSCCF, Mrs. Hauwa Balogun, who led members of the forum at a media briefing in Ilorin on Sunday, said the country cannot afford to experience the large-scale destruction that characterised the “End SARS” demonstration with the planned nationwide protest.

Hauwa, however, declared that her group would not be a party to the protest, calling for caution.

She recalled that while many innocent people were cut down in their prime, businesses worth billions of naira were also not spared, resulting in job losses during the 2020 protest.

Hauwa explained that even though the forum shared the concerns of citizens on the lingering hardship in the land, protest cannot be the last resort to ventilate grievances.

She noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and other measures taken on the part of government compounded the economic situation, but called for a roundtable discussion to arrive at workable solutions.

The convener urged President Bola Tinubu to address the nation and provide leadership to the people at this critical moment.

“The Kwara State Consultative Civil Society Forum (KSCCF), after its emergency meeting of all the heads of civil society groups in Kwara State under our forum, distances ourselves from the plan to “End Bad Governance Protest” in Kwara State.

“While we share the concerns of many Nigerians about the need for good governance and accountable leadership, reduction in the price of fuel, goods and services, we must correct the misleading narrative that our organisations are involved in the planned protest. As bad examples from the “End SARS” protest in Lagos and Ilorin suffice.

“We reiterate our commitment to ensuring holding our leaders and government accountable in matters and well being of the people. We believe in promoting positive change through constructive dialogue, advocacy, and community engagement for the overall interest of Kwarans.

“We urge all stakeholders to work together toward a more prosperous and just society, and we remain dedicated to our mission of speaking for the citizenry,” Balogun said.