Forum kicks against Aug. 1 nationwide protest

The third Republic House of Representatives Forum has kicked against the Aug. 1 protest.

Mr Basil Okafor, he chairman of the forum of 1992, said this while addressing newsmen at the National Assembly in Abuja on Friday.

“We have come to add our voice to the planned protest. We say No to the protest.

“While the right to protest is an integral part of any democracy, it is essential to acknowledge the negative consequences that can arise when protests are conducted in a tense atmosphere,” he said.

He added that there was need to also take into cognisance the prevalence of the use of drugs by the youths.

“Protests, when carried out peacefully and responsibly, have the power to bring attention to important social, political, and economic issues. They allow voices to be heard, encourage dialogue, and promote change,” he said.

Okafor said that in a society already burdened with tension, protests could exacerbate the existing problems, further dividing people and escalating tensions.

He said that a tense society is often characterised by polarised opinions, conflicting ideologies, and deep-seated emotions.

He added that in such an environment, protests could easily become breeding grounds for violence and unrest.

He said that the frustration, anger, and resentment that laid beneath the surface could erupt into chaos, undermining the very purpose of the protest and causing harm to individuals and property.

Okafor also said that the ills of protest in a tense society lied in the potential for manipulation and exploitation by various stakeholders.

According to him, in times of tension and strife, extremist groups or political factions may exploit protests to further their own agenda.

“They may infiltrate peaceful demonstrations, incite violence, and spread misinformation, leading to a distortion of the original purpose of the protest and the dilution of its message.”

He said, ” while protests have the potential to make positive changes in society, we need to be cautious of their consequences in tense environments.

This according to him is by promoting responsible behavior, fostering dialogue, and seeking common ground.