THE Executive Chairman of the Mosan-Okunola LCDA, Hon. Olabisi Adebajo has urged the residents of the council area to shun the looming nationwide protest as it may disrupt the peace the community is currently experiencing.
While speaking during a stakeholders meeting held at the council Secretariat on Friday, July 26, 2024, Adebajo said: “My great and peaceful people of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, I greet you all with a heart full of empathy, understanding and appreciation that we all have the right to express our opinions and stand up for what we believe in. However, I strongly advise against the proposed protests.
“While I respect the passion and conviction of those who wish to protest, I fear that it may lead to unnecessary conflict, disruption, and harm to our peaceful communities. Instead, I suggest we create an avenue to engage in constructive dialogue, listen to each other's perspectives, and work together to find solutions that benefit everyone. Let us choose peace, understanding, and collaboration over confrontation and division among all.
“Again, the desire to express discontent and bring about change through protests, most times is not palatable but an eye sore and full of regrets, especially the irreplaceable losses of lives et al. However, I want to caution that the consequences of protesting might have far-reaching and devastating effects on our nation's economy and stability.
“When we take to the streets, businesses shut down, trade and commerce grind to a halt, and investment dries up. Then what is the outcome of the protests?
“My dear people, you have been wonderful in your thoughts, words and deeds and I would let you know that if the protest kicks off, it really might not be what we all envisaged as the ripple effects can lead to loss of jobs and livelihoods, decreased economic growth, reduced Government revenue, and increased poverty and inequality.”
While speaking about the effects of the ENDSARS protest in 2020, the council Boss said: “In retrospect, the ENDSARS protest did not end well as it created more havoc than anyone ever imagined as lives and property were lost, disunity, loss of jobs, enmity, a lot of ugly things came up and even got worse instead of getting better.
“If we consider having a fresh protest, it can also lead to damage to infrastructure and property, strained relationships between communities and law enforcement agencies, and erosion of trust in institutions.”
She then implored the residents to think about the long-term consequences of the protest while encouraging them to be more responsible and thoughtful in considering the potential consequences of protesting.