The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State, His Majesty, King Obukowho Monday Whiskey Ph.D., Udurhie 1, says the ongoing Hunger and EndBadGovernance protests in the country have been hijacked by elements against the Nigerian State.
The revered traditional ruler, however, appealed to the Nigerian youths to immediately suspend the protests, noting that those who hijacked the protest in some parts of the country are now using to cause chaos.
While expressing that he was in total support of the concerns and demands of the youths, he was however, not in support of the protest which has led to the destruction and looting of public and private property.
The monarch’s appeal was contained in a statement he issued on Tuesday in Jesse (Otorho Idjerhe) and made available to newsmen.
He also called on states and the local governments across the country to collaborate with the Federal Government to urgently address the demands of the protest, adding that government at all levels should be blamed for the present challenges facing the country.
According to him, “In the last five days, I have watched and followed the hunger and #EndBadGovernance protests across our motherland with keen interest. The protests have recorded mixed feelings. I commend the protesters who peacefully made their demands to the Nigerian government. I am also bewildered to watch the destruction of private and public property by some elements who hijacked the protest to loot our people.
“I cannot help but conclude that the core messages of hunger, insecurity, inflation, and the noticeable disconnect between the ruling class and the ordinary Nigerian have been well passed, and it’s time for true reflections and frank talk.
“The avoidable deaths and destruction of properties, including outright looting businesses, in the course of the protests in some parts of the country cannot and will not bring needed solutions. But I must commend our young children, who have conducted themselves well during the period of the protest. No doubt, there is hardship on the land. Our people are hungry, but the government has assured us they are doing everything to lift Nigerians out of this present phase.
“We should redirect our energy and human resources towards using dialogue and alternative dispute resolutions to address issues of national interest, as the patriotic desire of mass protest promoters has now been hijacked and serious care is required to come out of this without collateral damages. I passionately beg you, my children, to suspend the protest in the interest of our country.
“Peaceful protest, as enshrined in the nation’s constitution, does not give room for these wanton destructions of private and public properties. The President, as a true Democrat and father, should look between the lines and adopt a more people-oriented approach to resolving this national uprising.
“The issue raised should be critically appraised, and the needed solutions that can address those issues that are affecting the living standards of ordinary Nigerians should be looked into using the father-and-son relationship approach.
“Let’s look inward and promote things that unite the nation rather than things that divide us. Let peace reign supreme in our land.
“I solemnly call on the government at all levels in the country to urgently design policies and programmes especially in the areas of security and agriculture, to tackle the nation’s multifaceted problems. The federal government cannot do it alone. The states and local governments must collaborate with the centre irrespective of political linings, to save our motherland.”
