The Osun State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned protesters against the hijack of the planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1 by hoodlums.
The Osun IPAC gave the advice in a statement on Tuesday.
The council acknowledged the right of Nigerians to protest and express their grievances, urging protesters to exercise their right with caution.
It added, “We cannot afford to lose anyone, IPAC cherish the lives of all indigenes and non-indigenes residing within Osun State.
“We are not oblivious to the sad incidents that trailed some protest in the past and the fear that has gripped the mind of many citizens as a result of the sad experiences of the past protest especially the last ENDSARS, notwithstanding, we will not throw a baby with bath water.
“We, Osun State IPAC under the leadership of Pastor Victor Akande do not want anybody to get hurt, arrested or caught up in any negative activities during this protest.
“Therefore, it is our candid advice for all those individuals and groups that will be involve in the proposed protest scheduled to begin on 1st of August 2024 to 10th of August, 2024, not to allow hoodlums, thugs, thieves etc to highjack their peaceful protest from them thereby leading to looting and destruction of government or citizens properties.
“Do not allow disgruntled politicians to use you as a tools of vendetta against any individual, political office holders, and the government of the day.
“We call on the various law enforcement agencies, police, civil defense, Amotekun etc to carry out their legitimate duty of protecting the lives and property of the citizens with all sense of responsibility, decency, and professionalism. They should not carry out their duty in any manner that may provoke the protestants and cause chaos in the State.”
The Osun IPAC also enjoined the state government “not to see or use the protest as avenue to deal negatively with any individual or groups but yields to the people requests about the economics situation of the nation.”
“Because it’s only in a peaceful environment that meaningful development can be achieved,” the council noted.
