INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, made the appeal on Thursday via a statement made available to journalists.
According to him, “It remains the right of citizens, under every democratic society, to express their grievances through peaceful protests and whatnot.
“But such must be done orderly and peacefully, without compromising the relatively existing peace and national security.
“Sadly, what was, perhaps, meant to be a peaceful demonstration by the youths have evidently been hijacked by hoodlums, thereby reportedly leading to wanton destruction of lives and properties in several states.
“This is not acceptable just as it must not be encouraged by well-meaning Nigerians. We cannot and should not cause chaos while claiming to protest and demand for a better Nigeria.
“It is on this note that I appeal to all protesting Nigerians, especially those from the Ijaw Nation and by extension the Niger Delta region, to end the protest for a strategic dialogue that will benefit all and sundry.”
Prof. Okaba, in the statement, maintained that already the Federal Government has acknowledged the various demands of the protesters and it would not be out of place to end the demonstrations.
“I am sure the President Bola Tinubu-led government would work towards meeting the protesters’ demands as soon as possible. So let us stop the protest and go back to the discussion table,” he stated.
He opined that Nigeria does not need a riotous situation at a time the country is battling with several socioeconomic challenges.
“Amidst our call for an end to bad governance, let’s not forget that Nigeria has been badly governed for years and it would take so much efforts by this administration and subsequent regimes for Nigeria to be fully restored and make significant progress.
“I therefore appeal to our youths to sheathe their swords. You have already made your valid points and I am sure those at the helm of affairs will do the needful.
“Please let us be patient with the government of the day as it initiates programs and policies to restore and move our ear Country forward,” the statement concluded.
