The minority caucus of the House of Representatives has urged the federal government in constructive dialogue with organisers of a planned protest to address the underlying issues and find a peaceful resolution.
News About Nigeria reports that this call was made during a special meeting and dinner held in Abuja.
According to the caucus chairman, Kingsley Chinda, it is essential for the government to listen to the concerns of the protesters and take concrete steps to address them.
Chinda emphasised the need for a non-confrontational approach, citing the volatile security situation in the country.
He warned that even peaceful protests can be hijacked by miscreants, leading to chaos and instability.
Instead, he advocated for a carrot-and-stick approach, where the government balances firmness with empathy and understanding.
The caucus also expressed concern about the economic challenges facing the country, noting that there is widespread hunger and desperation among citizens.
They urged the government to move beyond providing palliatives and instead create opportunities for people to become self-sufficient.
In addition, Chinda called on the security chiefs to take decisive action to protect Nigerians and restore order in the country.
He emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity and economic hardship.
The dinner meeting was also an opportunity for the caucus to express gratitude to its members for their support and solidarity.
Chinda acknowledged the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the challenges facing the country.
He added that “basically the main purpose of our gathering was just to have an end-of-year dinner. We felt it is important to organise a dinner and thank all our members for giving us the necessary support.”
