From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Hon Fatoba Steve Olusola, member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 in the House of Representatives, has appealed to Nigerian youths to shun the planned nationwide hunger protest billed to hold from August 1 to 10 in the country.
Fatoba, who acknowledged that it is the citizens’ constitutional right to protest, maintained that protest will not provide the solution to their grievances.
The federal lawmaker, who said he is not unaware that the country is bedevilled by a myriad of challenges, urged the youths to embrace dialogue and support President Bola Tinubu, who is working hard to reposition the country.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, made the appeal during an interactive session with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.
According to him, structural adjustment will enable the country to find a lasting solution to the economic challenges confronting it.
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‘You will agree with me that the President is not resting on his oars and he is working round the clock. I urge the youths to embrace dialogue rather than protest because, honestly, protest at this time won’t help the country.’
Speaking further, he advised the youths to join hands with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fight corruption battling the country.
He said they can tackle the menace by forming themselves into pressure groups to monitor trials and judicial proceedings of anyone alleged to have embezzled public funds.
He explained that if the youths can mobilise themselves to court through their pressure groups and see that there is no miscarriage of justice in the proceedings, the country will be better off for everyone.
‘I want to use this medium to appeal to all our youths to shun the protest in the interest of peace and progress of the country.
‘Yes, corruption is really battling the country and instead of protesting and disrupting the economic activities of the country I implore our youths to rather form pressure groups which will join hands with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to make sure whoever is alleged to have embezzled public funds be made to face the consequences without any interference in the course of judgement.’
He continued, ‘If a contract is awarded, the youths should ensure those saddled with the responsibilities to execute such projects are made to do it within the stipulated time and if anyone is arrested or on trial for alleged embezzlement of public funds such cases should be monitored by the pressure groups created by the youths to ensure the trials are not tampered with.’