Endbadgovernance Protests: CISLAC Commends President Tinubu’s Call For Dialogue, Commitment To Addressing Citizens Concerns
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his recent speech calling on protesters and organizers to suspend further protests and engage in dialogue.
A statement signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, the President’s recognition of the grievances behind the protests and his commitment to listening to and addressing the concerns of Nigerian citizens is commendable.
President Tinubu in his speech to the nation had stressed the need for unity and collective effort to reshape the future of the nation, calling on all Nigerians, regardless of age, political party, tribe or religion, to work together for a better Nigeria.
Rafsanjani, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amnesty International Nigeria and Director of Transparency International Nigeria said President Tinubu and his representatives must stop the concerted effort to link Nigerian protests and grievances to political agendas.
He said such effort clearly distracts from the pressing reality of the deep poverty that afflicts millions of Nigerians but government should instead, focus on improving the economy in a comprehensive manner.
The organisation commended President Tinubu on his clear stance against ethnic divisions and threats, stressing their incompatibility with Nigeria’s aspirations stressing the importance of maintaining peace, law and order while upholding human rights, in line with international conventions to which Nigeria is a party.
CISLAC calls on the Nigerian security forces to heed the President’s call to respect human rights and ensure that peace, law and order are maintained in accordance with these principles as the safety and security of all Nigerians is paramount.
Rafsanjani however urged the President to give clear instructions to security agencies not to violate human rights while calling on all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for dialogue.
According to him, open and constructive dialogue is essential to addressing the underlying causes of insecurity so as to find lasting solutions.
Rafsanjani disclosed that CISLAC will continue to support efforts that will contribute to the realization of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Nigeria no matter the situation.
