By Mariam Abeeb
The Abuja Muslim Forum has kicked against the proposed nationwide protest planned by the some citizens against the government of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
This was made known in a statement, titled “ Our Position on the Proposed Nationwide Protest” and signed by the Amir of the Forum, Abdulrasaq Ajani.
It could be recalled President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to shelve the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest slated for August 1, 2024.
The protest against economic hardship, which is gaining traction on social media is scheduled to hold across the nation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Ajani explained that there are various ongoing discussions, opinions, analysis amongst the media Experts, labor Leaders, professional groups even the religious leaders on the likely consequences of such a protest at this critical time and how the Government could honestly prevent it.
He added that the protest might start peaceful but might generate into insecurity or other criminal acts.
He called for dialogue and constant reminder to the government as a better option than going into protest that may end up with negative consequences.
It’s read this” For over two months now, there has been calls for a planned nationwide protest against the government of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Indiced, there are debates even among Muslim Scholars for or against the protest.
“ Indeed, there are various ongoing discussions, opinions, analysis amongst the media Experts. labor Leaders, professional groups even the religious leaders on the likely consequences of such a protest at this critical time and how the
Government could honestly prevent it. Various reasons have been given for this proposed nationwide protest ranging from hunger in the land, insecurity, fuel scarcity. fall in purchasing power due tohyperinflation, etc.
“We, in Abuja Muslim Forum are aware of these challenges. However, we feel strongly that the solution is not in a nationwide protest. You may start a peaceful protest but will not know how it will degenerate into fights, looting, arson and general insecurity. It is our belief that dialogue and constant reminder to the government is a better option than going into protest that may end up with negative consequences. We therefore call on religious leaders and other men of conscience to call on their followers and the citizens not to fall into the trap of those calling for the protest for their ulterior motives.
“it is against this that Abuja Muslim Forum as an Umbrella Body for all Islamic Organisations in the FCT wishes to recommend as follows:
Call on the Federal, State and Local Governments to review some of their policies with a view to cushioning the economic hardship faced by citizens;
