A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Chief Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin, has stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working tirelessly to set Nigeria on a path to sustainable development. Ismail, who is the Bobaselu of Kajola-Ajaba Federal Constituency, called for patience and unity amid the planned August 1 nationwide protest in Nigeria.
Hon. Chief Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin has issued a heartfelt plea to Nigerians in light of the planned nationwide protests scheduled from August 1st to 10th, 2024. In his statement, he addresses the nation’s current economic challenges and calls for patience and unity among the citizens.
“Fellow Nigerians,” he begins, “I write to you today not only as a fellow citizen but as someone deeply committed to the progress and prosperity of our beloved nation. Recent developments indicate that there are plans for nationwide protests from the 1st to the 10th of August 2024, fueled by frustrations over the current skyrocketing of fuel prices and the high cost of living. While these concerns are valid, I urge us all to carefully consider the potential consequences of such actions.”
He highlights the difficulties faced by Nigerians due to the economic situation: “We find ourselves in challenging times, with economic difficulties affecting every facet of life. The price of fuel has skyrocketed, leading to increased costs in transportation, goods, and services. The ripple effects of this are felt most acutely by the everyday Nigerian, who is struggling to make ends meet.”
However, Oluwatosin emphasizes that these issues did not emerge suddenly and require time to resolve. “We are dealing with the compounded effects of decades of mismanagement, corruption, and economic policies that have not always been in the best interest of the people. The current administration, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is working tirelessly to correct these wrongs and set Nigeria on a path to sustainable development.”
Reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protests, Oluwatosin warns against a repeat of the violence and destruction that occurred: “Let us take a moment to reflect on the 2020 EndSARS protests. What began as a peaceful call for justice and reform tragically escalated into violence and destruction. Over the course of the protests, we witnessed the loss of innumerable lives, the destruction of properties worth billions of naira, and a general atmosphere of fear and unrest that gripped the nation. The aftermath of these events is still with us, and the scars, both physical and emotional, have yet to fully heal.”
He urges Nigerians to learn from past mistakes and avoid actions that could lead to further instability. “The planned protests in August carry similar risks. While the intent may be to express dissatisfaction and demand change, the potential for these demonstrations to spiral out of control is high. We must consider the lives that could be lost, the businesses that could be destroyed, and the impact on our communities and economy. The cost of violent protests is always too high. We cannot afford to further destabilize our nation, especially at a time when unity and cooperation are more necessary than ever.”
Addressing the youth directly, Oluwatosin calls for patience and constructive engagement: “I urge our youth, who are the bedrock of our nation, to resist the urge to delve into actions that could disrupt the peace of our country. Sixty-two years of rot cannot be fixed in just two years of any administration, no matter how well-intentioned or hardworking. Real change takes time, effort, and the collective will of the people.”
He encourages Nigerians to focus on constructive dialogue and community building: “Let us channel our energies into constructive dialogue, community building, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the greater good. The current administration is aware of the challenges we face and is committed to addressing them. Already, there are signs of progress, and with continued support and patience, we will see even greater developments before the end of President Tinubu’s first tenure.”
Oluwatosin concludes with a call for unity and faith in the nation’s potential: “As we move forward, it is essential that we, as a people, remain united in our purpose and steadfast in our resolve to see Nigeria thrive. The challenges we face are not insurmountable, but overcoming them requires our collective effort and undying allegiance to peace and stability. We must remember that every great nation has faced trials and tribulations, yet it is through resilience and unity that they have emerged stronger. Nigeria is no different. We have within us the strength, the ingenuity, and the spirit to rise above our current difficulties.”
In his final remarks, he urges Nigerians to engage in peaceful and productive ways to make their voices heard: “I encourage our youths to channel their passion into constructive avenues. Let us engage in dialogue with our leaders, present our concerns through the appropriate channels, and work together to find lasting solutions. Protests, while a legitimate form of expression, can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. It is crucial that we weigh our actions carefully, ensuring that they contribute to the growth and stability of our nation rather than its destruction.”
“There are many ways to make our voices heard without resorting to violence or disruption. Community forums, social media platforms, and civic organizations provide spaces for meaningful engagement. By participating in these dialogues, we can influence policies and decisions that affect our lives.”
He calls for patience and trust in the government’s efforts: “I understand that patience can be difficult in the face of hardship. However, it is important to trust in the process of governance. The current administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is implementing policies aimed at economic recovery and development. While the effects of these policies may not be immediately visible, they are designed to lay a solid foundation for long-term prosperity.”
“In the coming months and years, we will witness the fruits of these efforts. Infrastructure development, job creation, and economic stabilization are just a few of the areas where we can expect to see significant progress. These are the building blocks of a prosperous future, and we all have a role to play in making it a reality.”
Finally, Oluwatosin turns to faith and divine guidance: “Let us turn to God in fervent prayer for our nation. Nigeria has weathered many storms, and with divine guidance, we will overcome the current challenges as well. Let us pray for wisdom for our leaders, for peace in our communities, and for the strength to continue working towards a brighter future. May God continue to bless Nigeria, guide our leaders, and grant us the patience and resolve to see our beloved country thrive. Together, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams. Do your part.”
Hon. Chief Adeniyi Ismail Oluwatosin ends his message with a call to action: “Do your part.”
