The wanton destruction and looting of public and private properties in some parts of Nigeria, during Thursday’s #EndBadGovernance protests, smears the anticipated motives of the protest, which was to draw government attention to the plights of the people.
The Technical Assistant on Communication to the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Students Engagement, Amb. Timothy Nwachukwu, gave the view in a chat with newsmen in Awka, Anambra State, on Friday.
He is of the opinion that the shameful act perpetrated by some individuals under the guise of protests, should be condemned by all.
In parts of Kano, Borno and Abuja, there were reports of attacks on public and private infrastructures such as police stations, judiciary complexes, innovation center, and supermarkets, while innocent journalists covering the protest were attacked and their vehicles destroyed.
These acts of violence in some areas had resulted in the use of force by the police to arrest the situation.
While acknowledging the right to lawful assembly and peaceful protest as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution and as decided in a plethora of cases, Amb. Nwachukwu emphasized the importance of peaceful protests as a means to address legitimate grievances.
He acknowledged the passion and energy of the youth involved in the protests, highlighting the need for responsible activism.
The youth advocate however noted that looting and destruction of Private and public assets as witnessed in Kano and other parts of the country undermine the legitimacy of the protest and cause harm to innocent citizens.
He warned that the destruction of properties has far-reaching consequences for communities and businesses, adding that beyond the immediate financial losses, there are long-term economic and social ramifications that can deepen existing inequalities and hinder progress.
“The right to protest is an essential aspect of our democracy, but it must be exercised responsibly.
“Looting and destroying properties only serves to distract from the core message of the protest and inflicts unnecessary harm on the citizens,” he said.
Amb. Nwachukwu urged security agencies across the country to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the destruction of property while also calling for dialogue and compromise to address the underlying issues that sparked the protests.
He also stressed the need for Nigerian federal lawmakers and State Governors to engage in constructive dialogue with the youth population currently expressing their grievances through protests.
He argued that the State Governors and federal lawmakers need to organize town hall meetings for young people to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes.
he said; “The lack of access to some Federal Lawmakers by the youths who defied all odds to elect them into the National Assembly has increased the frustration of the youths who felt used and abandoned.
“It is high time the lawmakers listened to the aspirations of the youths in their various constituencies and worked together to build a better Nigeria.”