#WhoProtestEpp: Amb. Inaede Urges Youth to Embrace Peace, Dialogue Over Violence

#WhoProtestEpp: Amb. Inaede Urges Youth to Embrace Peace, Dialogue Over Violence

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

In a passionate appeal to Nigerian youths, Ambassador Austin Peacemaker Inaede, Executive Director of the Centre for Civil Relations, Open Dialogue and Development (C-CODED), has urged them to shun violence and embrace peace and dialogue in the face of hunger and governance challenges.

In a statement released on Sunday, Inaede cautioned against the destructive path of violent protests, citing the example of Libya’s downfall from a beacon of hope to a nation in ruins. He noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with hunger and malnutrition, leaving millions of citizens vulnerable to despair and desperation.

He praised the resilience and strength of Nigerian youths, urging them to resist the temptation of violence and destructive behavior. He warned that those who seek to exploit their frustrations for personal gain are trying to divide the nation and turn it into a battleground.

“As we stand at the crossroads of our nation’s history, let us remember that the path of protest with potential violence and anarchy is a road to nowhere. It’s a path that leads to destruction, chaos, and devastation. We’ve seen it before – in Libya, a nation that was once a beacon of hope, now lies in ruins.

“No doubt Nigeria, our beloved nation, is grappling with a daunting challenge – hunger. Millions of our citizens are struggling to access basic necessities like food, leaving them vulnerable to malnutrition, starvation, despair and the temptation to destroy our one and only country Nigeria. 

“As we navigate this difficult terrain, it’s essential to acknowledge the resilience and strength of the Nigerian people, the youth especially. Despite the hardships, let’s remain unbroken, our spirits unshaken and let us collectively resist the selfish temptation of our adversaries within and around. 

“Let us not be deceived by those who seek to exploit our frustrations for their own selfish interests. Let us not be swayed by the rhetoric of adversaries who seek to divide us and turn our country into a battleground,” Inaede appealed.

He called on the youth to choose the path of peace, constructive engagement, and dialogue to address their grievances with the government and build a better Nigeria for themselves and future generations. He emphasized that burning down the nation would leave everyone homeless, just like a leaking roof that is not destroyed but repaired.

“We are better than this. Let Kenyans learn from us as the big brother of African, that there are more better ways to Nation building than a violent protest. We are a nation of resilient people, a nation of hope and determination. We have faced challenges before and emerged stronger. Let us not give up now. 

“Let us choose the path of peace, dialogue, and constructive engagement. Let us work together to address our grievances with the government and build a better Nigeria for ourselves and future generations.

“Remember, our nation is like a house – if we burn it down, we will all be left homeless. Because the roof is leaking is not enough reason to set it on fire or allow it to be flooded. Let us build, let us not destroy. Let us choose wisdom over folly, peace over chaos, and progress over anarchy,” he stated 

The Ambassador concluded by urging government to listen to the people’s demands for better policies that would make Nigeria a great nation where all citizens can live, grow, and achieve their dreams.

Inaede’s statement comes at a time when tensions are running high in Nigeria due to planned protests over governance issues, economic woes, and food insecurity. His call for peace and dialogue is seen as a timely intervention aimed at preventing further instability in the country.