Plateau coalition halts protests for dialogue amid economic crisis
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos-
The Jos End Bad Governance Protest 2024 coalition has officially suspended its protest against the ongoing hardships and rising cost of living in Nigeria to facilitate dialogue with the relevant authorities, as proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his speech on Sunday.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, August 4, in Jos, the coalition’s spokesperson, Enoch Vilret, shared this decision, emphasizing that the suspension reflects their dedication to peaceful advocacy and a genuine desire for constructive discussions.
He cautioned, however, that if the promised dialogues do not take place within the given timeframe, the protests will resume.
He stated “The coalition has decided to suspend the protest for two days, effective immediately, to allow for dialogue with relevant authorities as suggested by the President of the Federation in his speech today, we remain committed to our cause and are hopeful that this period will facilitate constructive discussions. Should these dialogues not occur within the stipulated time, we will resume our peaceful protests.”
He also made it clear that the coalition does not support any group of protesters carrying the Russian flag or any non-Nigerian flags.
“We wish to categorically disassociate ourselves from any group of protesters carrying the Russian flag or any other flag that is not the Nigerian flag. Such actions are not representative of our movement.
“We urge security forces to arrest any individuals seen engaging in this behavior, as it undermines the integrity of our cause”.
Addressing concerns about potential looting and vandalism, Vilret condemned such actions and called on security forces to take action against anyone found engaging in these activities
. “It has come to our attention that certain elements, opposed to the peaceful manner in which we have conducted our protests over the past four days, are planning to incite looting and vandalism. We strongly condemn such actions and call on security forces to arrest anyone found engaging in these activities. Our movement is dedicated to peaceful advocacy, and we will not tolerate any form of violence or destruction.”
“We would like to clarify that we are not the organizers of this protest. Instead, we are leaders on the Plateau who have stepped in to coordinate and ensure that the protests remain peaceful and orderly. Our primary aim is to guide and support the voices of our fellow citizens in a responsible and constructive manner.”
Vilret urged all Nigerians and the people of Plateau State to continue being law-abiding and to hold onto the hope that Nigeria will be great again.
“We urge all Nigerians, and the good people of Plateau State, to continue to be law-abiding and to hold onto the hope that Nigeria will be great again. Our commitment to positive change remains steadfast, and we believe that through collective effort and peaceful advocacy, we can achieve a better future for our nation,” he noted.