The Association of Nigerian University Lecturers in Diaspora UK and the Campaign for Democracy (CD) UK have strongly condemned the recent escalation of violence and destruction associated with the ongoing hunger protests in Nigeria.
The groups expressed deep concern over the transformation of the protests into acts of theft, violence, and the destruction of both private and government properties across various states, including Kaduna, Kano, and Lagos.
Abdullahi Akeem Ahmed, President of the Association, criticized the actions of the protesters as callous and irresponsible, pointing out that government properties are funded by taxpayers and private businesses are often supported by personal investments and loans. He called for an immediate halt to the senseless destruction and urged government security agencies to take decisive action.
Ahmed emphasized that democratic freedom should be used to contribute positively to national development, not to incite arson, violence, and property damage.
“We therefore call on the federal government to take urgent necessary steps and action to safeguard the lives and properties of innocent Nigerians from the hands of these protest monsters and their hidden agendas”, he stressed.
Similarly, the National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA) Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje also joined to condemn the violence and looting by hoodlums in Kano Kaduna and other states, when protesters first took to the streets against hardship and bad governance in the country.
The AA Chairmen in an interview said: “the protesters have the right to protest. But, they should not allow handlooms and criminals to hijack protest and start looting.
“I condemn the looting in Kano. And the security should live up to expectations by ensuring law and order.
“It is the constitutional right of citizens to express displeasure over government policies but advised the protesters to be peaceful.
“Nigerians have the right to conduct protests, but they should be peaceful. The situation in the country is what prompted the protest.”
While reacting to the looting spree that trailed the ongoing protests, an activist, Yusful Ishyaku Goje also expressed dismay over the situation.
He noted that sewing protesting citizens, who accused the current leaders of looting their commonwealth and mismanaging the economy, looting from innocent business owners got him thinking.
According to him: “ That you are angry with the government is understandable, but breaking into businesses and infringing on the rights of others makes you no better than the leaders you accuse of inflicting suffering on you.
“I tell you the tyranny of the masses can equally be as dangerous as the tyranny of the elites.
“I always say even if we clear out all the current leaders and replace them with new ones, and we don’t change our values, it will just be a case of the aspiration of the oppressed is to be like their oppressors.
“I am tempted to conclude that our leaders are just a reflection of the followers. If only what many of us do in our homes, schools, worship centers, businesses, associations, etc can be in the open.
“How many of us have burnt down our family houses just because we were angry with our fathers for not providing?
“So why burn down public property that does not belong to the current leaders but all of us in the name of protest?
“We must all say no to unprovoked violent protest, while we encourage peaceful and constructive protests.
“ If we destroy this country na still we go suffer am, the leaders will just pack their families and change their base.”
