‘Our hearts ache’ – Women group begs Nigerians over nationwide protest

A group, Women Initiative for Family Economy, has called on Nigerians to consider the potential consequences of the planned nationwide strike.

Newspot reports that there is a growing call for a nationwide protest to express dissatisfaction with the current economic situation in the country.

In a press conference addressed by Ambassador Aisha Abdulkadir, the coordinator of the Women Initiative for Family Economy, the group noted that the right to peaceful protest was enshrined in democracy and was a powerful tool for voicing concerns.

It, however, recalled the impact of the EndSARS protests of October 2020 which it believed was still fresh in the collective memory of the citizenry.

It recalled that what began as a peaceful demand for the end of police brutality tragically escalated into widespread chaos.

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“A nationwide protest at this juncture could lead us down a similar path of disruption and hardship. Strikes and protests, while powerful, often come with unintended consequences.

“They can cripple our economy, disrupt essential services, and exacerbate the very issues they aim to address. The most vulnerable among us—daily wage earners, small business owners, students, and patients in hospitals—are often the ones who bear the brunt of such actions.

“However, the call for protest underscores a critical point: the economic hardships that many Nigerians are facing.

“We believe that through dialogue, we can address grievances and work together toward sustainable solutions.

“While the right to protest is fundamental, we must consider the potential risks and consequences of a nationwide protest. The government is dedicated to addressing the economic hardships facing our country and is actively working on solutions.

“Let us choose the path of cooperation over disruption and chaos. Together, we can build a Nigeria that offers prosperity and opportunity for all.

“As a mother, my heart aches at the thought of losing more of our young ones to violence. I urge all of us to consider alternative measures to protest in ways that preserve lives while still demanding the change we so desperately need. Let us protect our children and each other by seeking peaceful, strategic avenues for our advocacy,” the group said.