FEMI FALANA URGES GOVERNMENT TO ENGAGE WITH PROTEST LEADERS, AVOID VIOLENCE

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the federal government to engage with the leaders of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10. Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, emphasized the need for constructive dialogue to address the demands of young Nigerians mobilizing for the protest.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Falana warned against deploying threats or force against protesters, citing the violence that marred the 2020 #EndSARS protests. He blamed the government for the violence, saying it was instigated and sponsored by authorities.

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Falana urged the government to identify protest leaders and engage them in dialogue, addressing their demands and communicating efforts to mitigate economic hardship. He also called on governors to transparently engage with the public on their efforts to address hardship.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has assured that the police will respond to the protest “in a most professional manner.” The planned protest, themed “10 days of rage,” aims to draw attention to economic issues and demand urgent action from the government.