![Embracing Dialogue For A Better Nigeria: Why Protest Not An Answer, HOTPEN](https://hotpen.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG-20240724-WA0004.jpg)
By Dr. Sagir Sadisu
In this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, constructive dialogue is the key to unlocking positive change and renewed hope in our country, rather than resorting to protest.
Indeed protests can have far-reaching and devastating consequences, as evident in various countries. In Kenya, for instance, the 2007 post-election violence led to widespread violence, displacement, and loss of life, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. The 2017 election protests also turned violent, causing property damage and claiming at least 24 lives The recent 2024 protests against a finance bill have been met with a violent crackdown by security forces, resulting in dozens of deaths and property damage.
Similarly, other countries have experienced comparable outcomes. In South Africa, xenophobic protests in 2019 escalated into violence, looting, arson, and at least 12 deaths. Chile’s 2019 protests against economic inequality and social injustice turned into riots, arson, and violence, resulting in over 20 deaths. Hong Kong’s anti-government protests from 2019 to 2020 led to clashes with police, vandalism, violence, over 10,000 arrests, and several deaths.
In the United States, protests against police brutality and racial injustice in 2020 turned violent, resulting in looting, arson, and clashes with law enforcement. These examples underscore the critical need for peaceful and constructive dialogue in driving positive change and promoting social cohesion.
In Nigeria, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to listening to the people, as evident in his swift response to the national minimum wage issue. Nigeria, endowed with an abundance of resources and human capital, is poised for transformation under President Tinubu’s leadership. His administration prioritizes economic revitalization, infrastructure development, social welfare initiatives, and good governance, laying the foundation for a prosperous future.
The passage and signing of the new national minimum wage will stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve purchasing power, demonstrating President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to economic development. Furthermore, upgrading roads, airports, and seaports will facilitate trade and commerce, enhancing the quality of life for millions of Nigerians and creating opportunities for growth.
The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, which includes revamping healthcare, increasing access to quality education, and supporting vulnerable populations, demonstrates a focus on human capital development, improving lives, assisting the vulnerable and creating a better future for Nigerians. President Tinubu promotes transparency, accountability, and rule of law, creating an environment conducive to business growth and restoring public trust, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s commitment to making Nigeria great is evident in his policies and actions. Nigerians should engage in constructive dialogue, support government efforts, and hold leaders accountable. Together, Nigeria can achieve greatness and become a beacon of hope.
Let us unite and contribute towards the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu. May God bless Nigeria and the labor of our heroes past never be in vain. Nigeria stands at the threshold of a new era of prosperity and growth. With President Tinubu at the helm, the country is poised to achieve greatness through constructive dialogue and collective effort. Let us seize this moment and work together towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.
Dr. Sagir Sadisu Buhari FCIA
buharisageer@gmail.com