More groups in Ondo State have denounced the planned August 1 protest tagged ‘endbadgovernance’.
The Ondo chapter of the Campaign for Democracy and the Conference of Nigeria Civil Rights Activists (CNCRA), on Sunday, said their members would not participate in the protest.
Both the CD and the CNCRA said organisers of the August 1 protest did not consult them and that they were not part of the planning and thinking.
On its part, the Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance said it was difficult to put a face to the August 1 protest.
It said bad governance in the country dates back 40 years and could not be corrected within one year of Tinunbu’s administration.
The groups said President Tinubu needed to be given two years before reviewing his policies for possible scrutiny.
Spokesman for the group, Barr. Adedotun Ajulo, who spoke at a press conference in Akure, explained that the protest was to draw the federal government’s attention to the fact that Nigerians were hungry and suffering.
Ajulo condemned the threats by security agencies, groups, and political officeholders against any form of protest.
Ajulo, however, warned that “An uncoordinated protest or one that is without leadership is very dangerous and we can’t allow ourselves to be used by those who have ulterior motives about this protest.
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“It is in this light that we plead with all youths of the state and the nation at large that the planned protest should be reconsidered to allow for proper a more discreet means of passing the demands and ensuring they are met than hitting the street for a protest we all may later regret.
“Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.
“We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.”