Protest: Elder Statesman, Ogundokun Sues For Peace, Pleads More Time For Tinubu

As youths across the country embarked on the nationwide protest, Elder statesman and publisher, High Chief Abiola Ogundokun has charged the Nigerian youths to shelve the ongoing protest and embrace dialogue.

In a statement released on Thursday 1 August from London hospital where he’s recuperating, Chief Ogundokun said while peaceful protest is a constitutional right of every citizen, they should be cautious and avoid the mistakes of the past.

According to the elder statesman, there is no need for any civil disobedience at this point in time that incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced so many progressive reforms to set Nigeria on the path of greatness and prosperity.

Chief Ogundokun described President Tinubu as a listening president who understands the pains and challenges of every Nigerian thus he advised the youths not to be used as cannon folders by some disgruntled politicians who are yet to get over their loss of the last Presidential elections.

“As much as the pains and frustrations of every Nigerian are valid, I would like to appeal to these youths to channel their energies towards constructive dialogue and engagements with the government. Protest is their constitutional rights and that should not be taken for granted. However, they should also be very careful of the unintended consequences that could be propelled by some opportunists who might take advantage of their naivety,” he cautioned.

Chief Ogundokun then urged the youth to halt the protest and give the President more time to actualise the gains of his various progressive policies in the interest of everyone.

Highlighting President Tinubu’s positive programmes meant for the good of the citizens, Chief Ogundokun said asides retooling and rejigging our financial system to bring prosperity and relief to the people of this country, the President has made some progress with the approval of N110 billion to revitalize the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), that will serve as a cornerstone for youth empowerment; signed the new minimum wage bill into law which stipulates a national minimum wage of N70,000 for workers; the coming of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) with the disbursement of a total of N1.17 billion to 20,000 students in five of the nation’s public tertiary institutions and his administration’s decision to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries in Naira among other policies.

“These are some of the policies and programmes introduced by President Tinubu to move the country forward. I believe that by the time all these policies start translating into real actions, many will be able to understand why we pleaded for more time for the President,” Chief Ogundokun said.