July 27, 2024
The Director-General of Cross River State Homeland Security And Safety Agency, Yibala Inyang, has cautioned Nigerians, especially Cross Riverians, against embarking on a nationwide protest.
In a statement he personally signed, Inyang, while affirming the fundamental right of all citizens of Cross River State to engage in peaceful protests in line with extant laws, urged Cross Riverians to remain patient and supportive of Governor Prince Bassey Otu’s government in its efforts to navigate some of the challenges.
The statement reads: “The Cross River State Homeland Security And Safety Agency, on the heels of the proposed Nationwide Protest by some concerned Citizens of Nigeria, hereby We acknowledge that protests are an essential part of any democracy and should serve as an avenue for dialogue between the people and their leaders. It is, therefore, imperative that this fundamental right of citizens of Cross River to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression be accorded absolute respect and protection.
“However, having travelled this path before, with scars of the ENDSARS PROTEST still manifestly fresh in our minds, we are concerned that despite the noble and sincere motives of the protesters, there is still a possibility for a hijack by hoodlums, miscreants and enemies of the state. In view of the aforesaid, we call on the citizens and residents of the state to embrace dialogue over Protest.
“More worrisome is the fact that the proposed Protest lacks a verifiable structural leadership that can be held accountable in the event of a possible breakdown of Law and Order. We therefore appeal to the conscience of citizens to be more patient with the government, specifically the People’s First Government of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. While we acknowledge the untold hardship occasioned by some economic policies of the government, we enjoin citizens of Cross River State to allow the state government more time to perfect the ongoing redemptive, rehabilitative and restructuring processes in the state, aimed at cushioning the effect of the economic hardship.
“Cross River State has always been known for the peace, security, and hospitality it offers to its inhabitants. We must endeavor to protect this image of our beloved state so as to continue to attract investors. We must think Cross River State First. We must think about the security of lives and properties. Never again should we allow our land to be desolate in the name of protest. Never again should we allow strange elements and enemies of the state to destroy businesses and means of livelihood in our state. The anarchy of the ENDSARS protest must not be allowed to resurface. Citizens must, therefore, embrace dialogue, not protest.”
