The Ogun State House of Assembly has urged Nigerian youths to engage the government in constructive conversation rather than protest, saying the challenges affecting the country also affect other countries.
The Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, gave the admonition on Tuesday while speaking on a motion on the planned protest, raised by the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye, who spoke under “matters of urgent public importance” during plenary on Tuesday.
Elemide appealed to the youth to avoid any act inimical to the peace and tranquillity being enjoyed in the state and the nation.
He asserted that although it was the right of the youth to conduct peaceful protest, such should not affect the rights of others, pointing out that every Nigerian was aware of the various challenges confronting the nation ranging from inflation to hunger.
Describing the high inflation rate as a global issue, the Speaker said that the nation’s peculiarities are being addressed by government at all levels.
Other lawmakers who spoke on the proposed protest including the Minority Leader Adeleye, and Damilare Bello, warned that anyone embarking on any reasonable protest must do so within the ambit of the law, which should be devoid of any form of violence.
They explained that just as the youths have the right to lawful protest, other citizens equally have the right to peaceful movement which should not be hindered by the protest, and advised that the various political leaders should work together with security agencies and the various youth groups to promote peace and tranquillity.
