An Open Letter to Nigerian Youths: Embrace Dialogue, Not Protest
By The Bureau Newspaper
Dear Nigerian Youths,
As we approach the planned protest on August 1st, we at The Bureau Newspaper feel compelled to share our thoughts and concerns with you. The power and passion of the Nigerian youth are undeniable. You have proven time and again that you are a force to be reckoned with, a generation ready to shape the future of our beloved nation. However, we believe that the current call for protest could lead to unintended consequences that may harm our nation and its people more than it helps.
Embrace Dialogue Over Protest
Protests are a powerful tool for expressing dissatisfaction and demanding change. However, history has shown us that they can also be hijacked by those with malicious intent. The EndSARS protest, a noble cause at its inception, tragically devolved into chaos, with criminals exploiting the situation to loot shops, rob estates, and disrupt the lives of innocent Nigerians. The risk of such occurrences repeating themselves is too high to ignore.
Instead of taking to the streets, we urge you to embrace dialogue. Dialogue is the cornerstone of democracy and the most effective way to ensure that your voices are heard without the risk of violence and destruction. We suggest forming a delegation of representatives—youth leaders, activists, and concerned citizens—who can approach the Tinubu-led government with a clear, organized list of grievances and demands.
Presenting Your Grievances and Demands
To ensure that your voices are heard and your concerns addressed, it is crucial to present your grievances in a structured and comprehensive manner. Here are some steps to consider:
- List Your Grievances: Clearly outline the issues you are protesting against. These could include unemployment, police brutality, corruption, inadequate healthcare, poor education systems, and any other pressing issues affecting the youth and the nation at large.
- Formulate Demands: Alongside your grievances, present concrete demands. These could be policy changes, implementation of youth-centric programs, reforms in various sectors, or the establishment of accountability mechanisms.
- Engage in Constructive Dialogue: Select a group of credible and respected representatives to engage in dialogue with the government. Ensure that these representatives are well-informed and prepared to discuss your grievances and demands effectively.
Preventing Hijacking by Criminal Elements
One of the most significant risks of protests is the potential for criminal elements to hijack the movement. During the EndSARS protests, we witnessed armed robbers infiltrating peaceful demonstrations, causing widespread fear and destruction. By choosing dialogue over protest, we can prevent such elements from taking advantage of the situation.
Unity and Collective Efforts
Unity is strength. It is essential to stand together and support each other in this journey towards a better Nigeria. Engage with various youth organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders to build a united front. Collective efforts will amplify your voice and increase the chances of meaningful change.
Our plea to the Government
Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sir, your government must also play its part in this dialogue process. We call on the Tinubu-led administration to listen to the voices of the youth, engage in meaningful discussions, and take tangible actions to address their concerns. It is the government’s responsibility to create an environment where the youth feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Finally, dear Nigerian youths, your passion and determination are the driving forces behind the progress of our nation. While protests can highlight issues, they also carry significant risks. Embracing dialogue, on the other hand, provides a safer and more effective platform for change. Let us work together to ensure that your voices are heard and your demands are met in a manner that promotes peace, stability, and progress for all Nigerians.
Sincerely,
The Bureau Newspaper