Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, has warned youths that their protest could escalate into a riot, advising them to listen to President Bola Tinubu.
News About Nigeria reports that Oyintiloye spoke to journalists in Osogbo on Sunday.
He denounced the violent protests, asserting that senseless destruction and harm to innocent lives cannot be condoned.
Nigerians took to the streets on Thursday to demonstrate against the country’s economic woes.
The demonstrations have turned destructive in some parts of the country, with reports of violence and vandalism.
President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the youths’ concerns “loud and clear” in a national broadcast on Sunday, and requested that they shelve their protests.
The former lawmaker said the prolonged economic shutdowns would worsen the plight of the masses, adding that the destruction of critical assets like the Kano digital innovation park is a disheartening consequence of the protests.
Oyintiloye said that while protesting is a constitutional right, it must be done in a controlled manner to prevent escalation into violent riots.
He said the protest, which had resulted in killing, looting, and destruction, could no longer be described as a protest, but a riot.
The former lawmaker said participating in riots contravenes Section 71 of the Criminal Code Acts of Nigeria, which states “Any person who takes part in a riot is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years — protesters must be careful not to allow their activities to be interpreted as a riot that is a punishable offence.”
Oyintiloye asked protesters to engage in dialogue, warning that while their cause may be genuine, some individuals might exploit the situation to destabilize the government.
He said the president has good intentions for the country.
“I want to appeal to the youth and the organiser of the hunger protest to embrace dialogue and give the president the opportunity to do the needful,” Oyintiloye said.
“Protest is a constitutional right, but Killings, looting and destruction of both government and private property is not permitted by the law.
“Let’s be cautious of the fact there are some disgruntled individuals who are planning to use the protest to destabilise the government. We must not allow this.
“There is no doubt that there is hunger and poverty in the land, but we can be rest assured that the president is doing his best to improve the economy, but this can not be achieved within a year.
“Let’s give the president the chance to address the situation, and let’s embrace dialogue for the peace and stability of the country. The president has spoken, lets listen to him and give the administration more time.”
Oyintiloye praised security agencies for their professionalism during the protests and urged them to continue in that vein, while also cautioning protesters against provoking them, as they work to maintain law and order.
