Shehu Sani, a former senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, has urged Nigerians to refrain from participating in the nationwide protest planned for August 1st to 10th, 2024.
According to Channels Television, he argues that the organisers are anonymous and lack a clear leadership structure.
Senator Sani stressed the significance of peaceful protests led by identifiable leaders to prevent the risk of the demonstrations turning violent and destabilising the nation.
While he recognised the critical role of peaceful protests in a democratic society, the former senator cautioned that the upcoming protest in August does not have an established leadership.
As a result, he advised Nigerians to avoid it, fearing it might devolve into violence.
Sani underscored that Nigeria, as a democratic country, guarantees its citizens the right to express their views, criticise the government, and protest peacefully.
However, he insisted that protests must have a clear purpose and visible leadership to prevent them from descending into chaos and violence.
He pointed to protests in Kenya and Sudan as examples, illustrating the importance of leadership in determining the success and orderliness of protests.
Sani noted that leaderless protests could spiral into disorder and anarchy.
The former lawmaker also praised the Kaduna state government for its stance on protests, emphasising that they would only support demonstrations with identifiable leaders who could be held accountable if law and order break down.
Sani reiterated the necessity of peaceful protests with clear leadership, drawing from his own experiences participating in protests with prominent leaders like President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammad Buhari, and the late Balarabe Musa during the military era and the 2012 anti-subsidy protests.
He urged Nigerians to be cautious and discerning about participating in protests, especially those without a clear leadership structure, to ensure that such actions do not lead to unintended violence and instability.
Shehu Sani said, “We are from a state that comes from the past that had experiences of violence that began with protest.
“So, I can say that our constitution guarantees protection for peaceful protesters, but peaceful protesters can only be protected if the leaders drive the process peacefully. We cannot participate in a protest that has no leadership.
“We cannot participate in a protest that is called by spirit. We can only participate in a protest that is called by either labour or organised civil society.
“A protest must have an identity. If it does not have an identity, the tendency to degenerate into violence and chaos is apparent….Viêw_ More
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