- Nyame expressed serious concerns about the potential fallout from such actions, especially given the current challenges facing Nigeria
Former Governor of Taraba State, Jolly Nyame, has labeled the planned nationwide protest on August 1 as a scheme to overthrow a democratically elected government through illegitimate means.
Speaking at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Jalingo to a gathering of Yoro youths and community leaders, Nyame expressed serious concerns about the potential fallout from such actions, especially given the current challenges facing Nigeria.
“We are all aware of the plan by some Nigerians to vent their anger on the government by agreeing to a national protest or shutdown,” Nyame stated.
He acknowledged that certain policies and longstanding national issues have contributed to the nation’s problems.
“I must admit that in view of certain policies and long-standing national issues, the government should take the blame for some of the problems affecting our nation.”
However, Nyame urged Nigerians to introspect and consider whether their actions have positively or negatively impacted the situation.
“Whereas every Nigerian has the right to complain or protest against bad governance, the language employed by the planners is threatening, divisive and clearly aims at removing a democratically elected government.”
Nyame warned that participating in the protest could exacerbate the nation’s problems and endanger lives.
He highlighted the constitutional means available for addressing grievances, such as voting, and cautioned against what he termed as “brigandage and terrorism.”
“As you all know, Yoro is a peaceful and hard-working nation, with the people engaged in various noble means of livelihood, like farming. Indeed, we are among the largest producers of yams and other food items in Nigeria,” Nyame said.
He underscored the industrious nature of the Yoro people.
“We are not an idling society in which people engage in all types of vices for survival. We have no time to waste in a national protest that can only promote destruction,” he added.