The Oyo state Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CCSS) Tuesday warned persons or groups with intention for violence to stay off its planned nationwide protests on August 1.
Addressing a press conference in Ibadan, the coordinator of Joint Action Front (JAF), Professor Ademola Aremu stated that on Thursday, it would hold peaceful independent protest and there will be no room for looting, destruction of property or any form of violence in the protest.
Professor Aremu stated further that the coalition ‘s protest is not based on religion, ethnicity or political party affiliations but to demand for a better Nigeria.
“We warn persons or groups with intention for violence to stay off the peaceful action as there will be no room for looting, destruction of property or any form of violence in our protest,” he said.
Prof. Aremu added: “We hereby inform the general public that this protest is not based on religion , ethnicity or political party affiliations but to demand for a better Nigeria.
“The coalition supports the protest against hunger and hardship. This is despite the fact that none of the constituent organisation in the coalition was involved in the call for the protest. The coalition notes that the prevailing condition of mass misery and poverty amidst abundant is more than enough and a sufficient justification for a call for the protest.
“As much as the coalition is committed to a peaceful protest, it holds that it is not the responsibility of the prospective protesters but that of the Nigerian government and the security agencies to assure the general public that the protest will not degenerate into violence.
“The few previous violent-turn peaceful protest were instigated by the Nigerian government either through the security agencies or hired political thugs to create a basis and justification for state repression.”