Osun Protesters Advised To Implement Organized Leadership To Deter Hoodlum Interference

Osun Protesters Advised To Implement Organized Leadership To Deter Hoodlum Interference

#EndBadGovernance protest, civil society organizations are advocating for a peaceful and well-organized demonstration to prevent infiltration by individuals with malicious intent…….. CONTINUE READING

The Osun Masterminds (TOM), a coalition of civil society groups, made this call during their State of the State address in Osogbo on Saturday.

Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, TOM’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of having recognized leadership in protests to avoid exacerbating the country’s already strained infrastructure.

Despite acknowledging the troubling state of affairs in Nigeria, Oyedokun-Alli affirmed the citizens’ constitutional right to voice their discontent through protests, as guaranteed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution.

He criticized the threats from security agencies, groups, and political figures against any form of protest, arguing that an uncoordinated protest without leadership is dangerous. He highlighted the recent damages from the #EndSARS protests, noting the looting, destruction, and loss of lives that the nation can ill afford to repeat.

“Our democracy was forged through agitations,” Oyedokun-Alli said. “Freedom of expression and protest are essential components of democracy, and no one should suppress citizens’ voices against misgovernance.”

He called for peaceful conduct of the upcoming protest and warned against allowing hoodlums or those with non-patriotic intentions to infiltrate.

Additionally, Oyedokun-Alli urged the government at all levels to engage citizens more proactively by being accountable, transparent, and empathetic.

Regarding the rising insecurity, TOM expressed concern over the pervasive fear among citizens due to frequent killings and kidnappings. Oyedokun-Alli urged the Federal Government and security agencies to rethink their strategies to address the worsening security situation and ensure that those responsible for crimes are brought to justice to deter future offenses.