31 July 2024
By Judith Eze
The Peace Corps of Nigeria(PCN) has urged organisers of the planned nationwide protest against hunger , to consider dialogue and persuasion,rather than protesting.
Dickson Akoh, National Commandant of the Corps, said this at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Commandant said the PCN was aware of the biting economic reality in the country, characterised by growth in poverty level of the populace.
“It is the stance of the Corps that any step that carries with it the potential to metamorphose into a crisis situation, should be considered inimical to the good of the country and it’s citizenry.
“The Corps is very much concerned about the likely aftermath of the proposed protest and thus plead with citizens to consider the option of dialogue and persuasion, rather than protest in an already volatile and tensed polity,” Akoh said.
The Commandant noted that the protest would be highly susceptible to the activities of enemies of Nigeria, who would not hesitate to use the platform to unleash their ill intention, and stifle life out of vulnerable citizens of the country.
According to him, the PCN acknowledges some of the overwhelming issues of concern that have negatively affected the lives of the people, forming the backbone of the proposed protest.
He said these issues ranged from rising inflation, unemployment, hunger, insecurity and general economic situation, with adverse consequences on the populace.
“Most of these realities have grave consequences on the average Nigerian, particularly youths and women, with the capability of compounding the already fragile security of the nation.
While we appreciate the everyday enormous challenges confronting Nigerians as a result of the ongoing reforms, with its attendant hardship, it is imperative to be reminded that the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is barely a year and two months in office.”
The Commandant, however suggested that the present situation of the country can only be effectively resolved through a combination of short, medium and long-term measures under a rational system.
He said it was expected that the present administration rolls out feasible measures to intervene and arrest these vices upon which the idea of organising protest was birthed.
“The Peace Corps of Nigeria, therefore passionately appeals to all well meaning Nigerians, especially the youth, to exercise a little more patience and support Mr President to drive his programmes and policies for the ultimate benefit of Nigerians.
“With the current state of the country, it is equally expected that a more robust, sustainable and institutionalised approach be adopted by the government to ensure that the youths are meaningfully engaged in productive ventures, to meet their various life demands which in turn mitigates the present economic and security challenges.”