Lawmaker Appeals to Youths, Says Protest Can Be Hijacked

A Federal lawmaker, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has called on youths across the country, especially those from Oyo State, to shelve the planned August 1 hardship protest, expressing concern that it could be hijacked by hoodlums.

Akande-Sadipe, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency in the 10th Assembly, said this in a message on Wednesday.

She said, “While we know and believe in the right to peaceful assembly as protected by the Constitution Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, we also know that constructive agreement is the most important ingredient of democracy”.

“Yes, there is no doubt that the economy is harsh at the moment, but the Presidents policies will birth a better Nigeria overtime and I employ Nigerian citizens to give time. Protest can do more harm because of saboteurs, If there is any infrastructure damage during the demonstration, we will become catalysts to further economic damage. What is the way forward? Patience and total commitment to good governance by leadership at all tiers of government, the civil service and our security personnel. Using the analogy of a wound, the state of the economy is an old festering wound. Wounds when stitched will not heal overnight. In Nigeria today, the stitching process is the current solutions, put in place, by the administration, the discomfort of that healing process is the current state of the economy. Let’s all collaborate to birth a greater nation.”

She further asked all Nigerians to look inwards.

Rep. Akande-Sadipe disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration met a decayed system on ground, and is making efforts at renewal.

She added that as a representative, she has received and delivered support schemes, from the present administration of His Excellency President Tinubu

Akande-Sadipe pointed at the full autonomy just granted to the 774 LGA’s, The outcome of a lawsuit by the Tinubu Administration. Saying this means more employment, projects and empowerments at the grassroots level where its most needed.

She further appealed, to Nigerians, especially those from her home state to shelve the planned protest. Recall that no problem in the past has been solved by such protests and agitations due to the risk of highjackers with ulterior motives .”

While appealing to the people to give the President more time, Akande-Sadipe said: “Upon assumption of office, President Tinubu began a major economic renaissance. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and clearly building an economy cannot be completed in just over a year.

“Mr President’s manifesto will definitely come to fruition, but the time he has been at the helm does not realistically afford him, the timeline to have concluded the magic expected of him”.

—–Kunle Bakare.