Dariye calls for restraint over planned August protest

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

Former Governor of Plateau State Joshua Dariye has called for restraint regarding the planned national protest against bad governance in Nigeria scheduled for 1 August.

Dariye, speaking to journalists on the occasion of his 67th birthday celebration at his country home in Jos on Sunday, said that although he understood the situation and what Nigerians are going through, caution is needed to prevent damage to important national infrastructure by unguided individuals.

Dariye’s statement coincided with a passionate appeal from his successor, Senator Diket Plang, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity. Plang urged the youth, especially those planning to protest the prevailing hardship, to listen to reason and embrace dialogue, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria.

In a signed statement, Plang stated that the president and his team are working tirelessly to reposition the country and improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He urged the youth and those behind the planned protest to reconsider.

“We also have to take cognizance of the fact that the president took over amidst a mounting economic downturn, which requires systemic reform and understanding from the people. Mr President is gradually fixing things; the processes have started, and he is not unmindful of the hardship in the country, hence the palliatives being rolled out to cushion the hardship.”

Dariye, reflecting on his birthday, said, “Well, I will use this birthday celebration as an occasion to make a passionate appeal that we eschew violence if there should be any protest at all.

“There are several ways of expressing discontent about any government policy, and the destruction of lives and property is not one of them.

“I don’t think protests or strikes are the solutions. Peaceful demonstration is the legitimate right of the people to protest.

“We should not allow fifth columnists and hoodlums to take over and destroy shops, houses, and burn places. That will set the clock back.”

Dariye, who represented Plateau Central in the 9th Senate, expressed satisfaction with the recent autonomy granted to local governments, saying it will bring government closer to the grassroots.

He said, “I am happy with the autonomy they have given the local governments. If there is strict discipline and compliance, it will bring development to the grassroots.

“Urban migration will stop. So my plea to clergymen, both Muslim and Christian, and traditional leaders, is for them to engage the youth. Believe me, it’s not because I am in the APC; if they destroy this house, it will take me years to rebuild it.”

He also urged Nigerians to embrace farming to feed the nation.

“Yes, there is hunger. Again, over the years, there was Operation Feed the Nation. Civil servants were encouraged to farm. Nobody has forgotten how to farm. You cannot live on salary alone.

“People with backyards should set up small farms. It will reduce poverty and increase the GDP. So, that’s my personal appeal for people to go back to farming.”

Dariye called on Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed in making Nigeria better.

“To be fair to Tinubu, he has put up relative measures to cushion the effects of hunger. We should give these measures time to go round.”

Dariye, speaking on the future of the APC in Plateau State, said that the party has moved on from its defeat in the 2023 election.

He said that the Lafia reconciliation was aimed at putting the party on the path of progress and preparing it for the tasks ahead.