World Institute for Peace withdraws from planned nationwide protests
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the World Institute for Peace (WIP) has announced its withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest scheduled to start tomorrow, Thursday, August 1, 2024.
Addressing journalists at the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Osogbo on Wednesday, the Executive Director of WIP, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, stated that the organization’s decision aims to prevent a repeat of the massive destruction of lives and properties that occurred during the EndSARS protests of 2020.
Omotoyosi referenced recent security alerts issued by the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom embassies and High Commission in Nigeria, which warned investors and their citizens to avoid certain flashpoints in the country and ensure personal safety before, during, and after the protest.
He explained that the warning was based on security reports strongly predicting a breakdown of law and order during the protest.
“To set the record straight, we have participated in several engagements and meetings convened by security agents and traditional rulers ahead of the protest, especially in Osun State. This intervention is intended to save lives and properties as peace advocacy organizations,” Omotoyosi said.
“The aforementioned countries have never been known for raising false alarms or engaging in frivolities when it comes to matters concerning the security and safety of their citizens. This troubling security alert issued by these world powers should draw the keen attention of every Nigerian patriot, particularly at this crucial period of our national life when we are struggling to attract investors to key sectors of our economy such as the oil sector, power sector, infrastructure, and information and communication technology sectors for financial growth and job creation for our teeming youth.”
“We oppose violent ethnic and politically motivated protests in Osun and propose dialogue to address economic hardship in the country,” Omotoyosi added.
Emphasizing the institute’s commitment to fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the UN Declaration on Human Rights, Omotoyosi stated that the WIP opposes any form of protest that could potentially worsen the country’s current economic challenges.
Instead, he said the organization advocates for peaceful and lawful demonstrations focused on drawing government attention to issues such as skyrocketing inflation, high fuel prices, and expensive food commodities.
Also speaking, the Director General of Jongo Farmers Organization, Comrade Tajudeen Azeez, called on Nigerian youths to channel their energy into agriculture rather than participating in the upcoming nationwide protests.
According to Azeez, there is a scarcity of food in Nigeria due to the aging population of farmers in rural areas. He noted that by engaging the youth in agriculture, the country can increase its food production capacity and ensure food security for all Nigerians.
