Shun planned nationwide protests – Governor Zulum begs Nigerians

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has appealed to the residents of Borno and Nigerians generally to not participate in the proposed nationwide protests slated for next month.

Zulum made the appeal during a stakeholders’ townhall meeting at Government House, Maiduguri, today, reports Daily Trust.

He maintained that they should rather engage in constructive dialogue because the protests may cause violennce and distractions.

He noted that the state has been severely dealt with by 13 year old insurgency conflicts, noting that the protests won’t be the best approach to sustain relative peace being enjoyed in the state.

“Any break of law and order will be a disaster to us, I am appealing to the people not only Borno State but all Nigerians to shun any protests that will bring hardship to Nigerians. Let us engage in positive dialogues, federal and state governments are doing everything possible to ensure the current hardships people are going through in Nigeria is being reduced.”

“The Government of Borno State and the people have been experiencing insurgency for the past 13 years but now peace has gradually returned to Borno State and there is need for us to maintain peace.

“I am happy to note that many of the stakeholders have made commitments that they would not join the protests. I can assure you that the government of Borno State will follow up on view to ensure that what they said is implemented to the latter.”

The town hall meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, Network of Civil Society Organizations, Young Peace Advocates, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Nigerian Bar Association.

Others in attendance include Civilian Joint Task Force, Christian Association of Nigeria, Jammatul Nasir Islam, Students, Youth groups, Women’s groups, Traders, People living with disabilities, Nigeria Labour Congress, among others.