The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers’ Council has urged groups planning protests on October 1, 2024, to reconsider and opt for dialogue instead. In a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, the monarchs warned that further protests could worsen Nigeria's already fragile economy.
The council’s statement follows the violent aftermath of the August #EndBadGovernance and #Hunger protests, which saw loss of lives and destruction of properties, particularly in northern Nigeria. While acknowledging the country's economic struggles, the monarchs emphasized that peace and unity are essential to overcoming these challenges.
They advised the Nigerian Labour Congress and other groups involved in planning the October protest to shelve the idea, warning against actions that could escalate the nation’s difficulties.
The council also condemned the murder of Emir Mohammed Bawa of Gwata, Sokoto State, and decried the rising trend of kidnappings and killings across the country, calling for immediate action from the government and security agencies to address the violence. They extended their condolences to the Sultan of Sokoto and the family of the slain emir.
