Protest: APRA calls for dialogue between Nigerian Govt, citizens

By Kunle Sanni

The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has expressed strong solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria amidst the ongoing nationwide protests over rising living costs.

In a statement on Thursday, APRA President Arik Karani urged sincere and continuous dialogue to promptly address the issues driving the protests. The organization emphasized that protests and advocacy for better social conditions are essential civil liberties and fundamental to democratic practice. APRA stressed that democracy cannot thrive without the protection of these rights.

Deaths and Injuries

APRA also condemned the unjustifiable deaths of citizens and security personnel, as well as the looting and vandalism of infrastructure intended to improve the quality of life for the people.

“APRA is deeply concerned about the reported deaths of individuals, including both citizens and security forces, injuries to many people, looting of business assets, theft of equipment and other resources from public utilities, including telecommunication infrastructure and food processing companies, as well as instances of destruction and arson that have resulted from the first day of protests,” the statement read.

“APRA’s commitment to seeing Africa prosper requires us to condemn the unjustifiable deaths of citizens and security personnel, as well as the looting and vandalism of infrastructure intended to improve the quality of life for the people.

“Therefore, we call on all actors – state and non-state – to stop the hostilities and the outrage. Instead, APRA advocates for continuous dialogue and sincere conversations to ensure quick and concrete resolutions of the issues.

“We call on the government of Nigeria, including subnational entities, to work with all stakeholders and restore normalcy to the nation. Nigeria is central to Africa’s vision for the progress and development of the continent.

“APRA shares in the grief of families that have lost members in the ongoing crisis and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed. We wish those recuperating from injuries a speedy and complete recovery and hope that institutions and individuals that have lost properties will be supported to recover quickly and return to business to support the government’s efforts to reflate the Nigerian economy.”