Dr. Sami Charles, a globally respected business icon, Pan-Africanist, and Gusi Peace Prize laureate, has voiced his reaction to the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
In a statement made while speaking with the press in London, Dr. Charles emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and unity among all Nigerians during this challenging period.
As national youth associations in Nigeria lobby for the intervention of Dr. Charles, who is also an Oil & Gas billionaire, the esteemed patriot and lover of his nation has issued a call for calm and constructive dialogue.
“I urge all well-meaning Nigerians to proffer solutions to the nation’s problems instead of engaging in criticism. This is a trying period for our nation but, most importantly, a time when all hands must be on deck,” Dr. Charles stated.
He stressed the necessity for the government to lead by example, advocating for sacrifices and trimmed expenditures to rebuild trust among the populace.
“The government must learn to cut the size of governance and lead by example through sacrifices and trimmed expenditures. This will encourage Nigerians to have faith in the words of their government,” he added.
Recognizing the plight of Nigerians, Dr. Charles expressed his empathy, highlighting that the citizens have endured enough and deserve to be heard.
However, he called for the protests to remain peaceful and devoid of any form of property destruction or looting.
“Nigerians have suffered enough and deserve to be heard, but I will call for peaceful protest. No destruction of any property, government or private, and no looting of things in the guise of protest that becomes stealing and defeats the spirit of true protest. We cannot use the protest as a mode for stealing,” he cautioned.
He urged the organizers to warn participants against any form of violence or theft, ensuring the protests maintain their integrity and purpose.
Dr. Charles also called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to engage in immediate dialogue with all concerned parties. “I urge the government of President Tinubu to immediately go into dialogue with all concerned and find ways of meeting their demands halfway. At least start something, especially on the burning areas of economic hardships,” he concluded.
