by PRESS RELEASE
PROPOSED NATIONWIDE PROTEST
The Cross River State Homeland Security And Safety Agency, on the heels of the proposed Nationwide Protest by some concerned Citizens of Nigeria, hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of Cross River State to engage in peaceful Protest in line with extant laws. We acknowledge that protests are 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 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 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.
Signed.
Mr. Yibala Inyang
(Director General)
