In the wake of rising tensions and a planned protest scheduled to begin from the 1st to 10th of August, 2024, Pastor Patrick Asikpo Okon (JP), the State Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Cross River State, has called on the youth, citizens, and other stakeholders to reconsider their plans. He emphasizes the need for calm and constructive dialogue instead of taking to the streets, citing the potential dangers of such actions being hijacked by unruly elements.
Pastor Okon acknowledges the right of citizens to protest, a fundamental aspect of democracy and also enshrined in the constitution. However, he highlights the volatility of the current situation both within the state and globally. “Calabar, Cross River, and indeed Nigerians are still haunted by the ghost of the hijacked EndSARS protest of 2020,” he notes, referring to the widespread destruction and chaos that ensued when peaceful demonstrations were overtaken by violent actors.
The EndSARS protest, which began as a movement against police brutality, unfortunately turned violent in many areas, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and a significant setback in the nation’s development. The aftermath of these events is still felt today, with many communities struggling to rebuild and regain stability. “As a state, we are still counting our losses. Need not mentioned the attendance losses by individuals as private properties and businesses where people eke out their living from were not spared. And we have not recovered from that till this moment”.
Pastor Okon argues that the planned protest poses a similar risk, especially during this period of economic reconstruction. “The chances of the protest being hijacked is very high,” he states, pointing to the fragile state of the nation’s economy and the ongoing efforts to stabilize and rejuvenate it. He underscores the importance of giving these efforts time to take root and produce tangible results.
He also acknowledges the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu, “The Sweet Prince,” who have demonstrated the courage to confront systemic issues despite facing significant challenges. “One thing you cannot take away from President Tinubu and Governor Otu is their ability to dare the system, which comes with very strong rebuttals,” Pastor Okon remarks, urging citizens to trust in their leadership and vision for the future.
Pastor Okon appeals for patience and sacrifice during this critical period. “Salvaging a situation that has gone south takes time,” he explains, noting that the process of weeding out economic conduits and systemic corruption is complex and demands collective effort and endurance.
In his plea, Pastor Okon emphasizes that the well-being of everyone should take center stage. He calls for constructive engagement and dialogue between the government and citizens, proposing that this is the most effective way to address grievances and work towards a shared goal of peace and prosperity.
He concludes with a heartfelt prayer and solicitation for patience, urging citizens to give the system some time to work. “I pray and solicit we give the system some time to weed out the economic conduits and systemic corruption in the country,” Pastor Okon says, highlighting his commitment to the progress and stability of Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
In these challenging times, his call for calm and dialogue serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and the collective effort needed to navigate through periods of uncertainty and change. His message is a plea for peace, patience, and a shared commitment to the common good.
