3rd Republic ex-lawmakers storm NASS, kick against nationwide protests

Former lawmakers who served under the Third Republic between 1992 and 93 on Friday called on Nigerians to discard the proposed nationwide protest expected to hold early next month.

Briefing newsmen at the National Assembly Complex, leader of the Third Republic Ex-lawmakers Forum, Basil Okafor urged youths to get themselves involved in fruitful endeavours as protest will never address the myriad of problems currently facing the country.

“Protests, when carried out peacefully and responsibly, have the power to bring attention to important social, political and economic issues. They allow voices to be heard, encourage dialogue, and promote change. 

“However, in a society already burdened with tension, protests can exacerbate the existing problems, further dividing people and escalating tensions,” he said.

Okafor, who said they were at the National Assembly to join their voices against the proposed national protest, explained that as former lawmakers, they are critical stakeholders in the country with numerical strength with over 519 members across the six geo-political zones of the country.

He said the forum recently had an extra ordinary meeting where the decision was reached to rise and speak in favour of President Bola Tinubu and his government.

The former lawmakers also used the opportunity to thank President Tinubu for granting financial autonomy to the local government areas in the country.

They also urged Nigerians, especially the youths, to be patient with the president, as he is working tirelessly to address ongoing challenges in the country.

On what the government is doing to prevent the protests, a serving member of the House of Representative, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa disclosed that President Tinubu is engaging with all groups and Nigerians for dialogue over the vexed issues.

He, however, urged Nigerians to be patient with the government at the centre for it is working tirelessly to address the current economic hardship.

“Just yesterday he (Tinubu) met leaders across the country, including traditional rulers and religious leaders. Unfortunately there’s no clear leaders of the planned protest, a sign that nobody is ready to take responsibility in the event of the protest turning sour, hence they can’t guarantee a peaceful protest,” he said.