PROTESTS THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE: AN INDICATOR FOR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS – NETNOS

                PRESS STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED JUNE 12 NATIONWIDE PROTEST

 TITLE: “PROTESTS THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE: AN INDICATOR FOR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS.”

 The Network of Non-Governmental Organisations in Osun State, (NETNOS) is a civil society coalition without any partisan political affiliation or allegiance, but with strong partisanship on the side of the citizens. The mission of the Network is to promote social justice, citizens’ well-being, and good governance on the basis of mutual respect and transparent collaboration among all stakeholders.

We have observed with dismay recent events in Nigeria’s civic space, in particular threats to lives of road travelers and innocent citizens, while mass abduction of school children is a worrying development. It is unfortunate that many innocent children among of which is a 10 year old girl that was killed by some hoodlums in the state, while a violent wave of crime has swept across Nigeria, creating further instability.

We are devastated by the incessant killings and disrespect for the dignity of human life in the nation, and can no longer be regarded as mere coincidence that the suspected perpetrators of these heinous crimes are not being apprehended.

It is fact that the role of government is to protect lives and property of the citizens without prejudices, while the citizens are also expected to collaborate with the duty bearers and security agencies in ensuring a safe and conducive environment. The situation in the country is tensed, but we are advised not to create more fears in the state through the proposed protest slated for tomorrow.

In these circumstances, it is pertinent that His Excellency, Governor Gboyega Oyetola as the Chief Security Officer in the State of Osun issues a statement of hope, confidence building and assurance for the citizens to negate the peddled propaganda on social media that there will be civil unrest in the state on June 12.

 Barely a day to the commemoration of June 12, the atmosphere is that of anxiety

 and uneasiness as majority of Nigerians are gripped with fear of the proposed nationwide protest by Nigerian students and some civil society groups against the kidnappings and killings gripping the country.

 NETNOS as a body is issuing this press statement tagged: “Protests through

 Constructive Dialogue: An indices for democratic process”     

               In as much as every citizen has the right for freedom of expression and movement in a democratic dispensation. A group of people may hold peaceful protest within the ambit of the law, and permission by security agencies in order to ensure that it not being hijacked by miscreants.

We hereby appeal to aggrieved citizens in the state to shun violence and engage the duty bearers through constructive dialogue in addressing our issues without violence and unlawful protests which may be infringing on other people’s rights in embarking on their legitimate and lawful activities within and outside the state.

We are also using this medium to make the following statement:

i- NETNOS shall continue to support peaceful and civilized protests in the land.

ii- We call on the federal government to restore peace in our nation.

iii- Security agents to be more professional and humane in handling security matters.

iv- Security agents should protect peaceful protesters from infiltrators.

v- Prompt arrest and prosecute persons and groups who may be threatening to inflict violence on innocent citizens and security agents.

vi- Nameless groups or self-identified platforms should not be allowed to cause mayhem in the state.

vii- Continuous joint security patrol on our streets in curbing crime.

viii- Citizens are expected to be more vigilant at this period to ensure safety of lives

and property in the state.

Signed:

Michael Olusesi Ebofin, NETNOS’ President. 11th June, 2021.