In January 2012, a Socio-Political protest movement tagged “Occupy Nigeria” took to the streets nationwide as a result of:

The Removal of the Subsidy on Petroleum Products

The 120% increase in price of Petrol

Corruption in Government and Public Service.

The supposed High rate of poverty in the Nation

The Federal Government Budget Review (Cut backs in allowances of Former Governors/Politicians etc).

However, in a supposed show of patriotism, the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) convened by Pastor Tunde Bakare, Nobel Laurette Wole Soyinka and supported by several prominent Nigerians including Bola Tinubu, Yemi Osinbajo, Babatunde Fashola, Adams Oshiomhole, Dr Mrs Okei-Odumakin, Dr Ezekwesili and several others, also had their turn in lambasting the then President Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s led Government over the aforementioned and other issues at the Freedom Park in Ojota Lagos State.

It is worthy of note that the PDP government in power at that time did not unleash hoodlums and thugs to disrupt their peaceful rallies at that time, because the PDP, believed in True Democracy, Freedom of Speech for All, Equality of all ethnic Groups, Right to Information, the Federal Character Bill and most of all the Unity of our Dear Nation.

We can comfortably say that these values do not resonate with the APC led Government of the day, however, instead of facing up to their responsibility of delivering good governance to the people, they are busy trying to pass the buck again by claiming that the agitations of the Youths, didn’t just start during their term in office.

The APC led Government must learn to take responsibility for their ignorance, mistakes and mismanagement of governance, especially considering the fact that they have been governing this country for well over 5 years.

The APC should know that their nonchalant attitude, continuous show of Nepotistic tendencies, insincerity to the rule of law, bad planning skills, unilateral decision making style of Mr President, lopsided manner and style of appointing public office holders, Favouritism in National infrastructural developments , disregard and disrespect for the youths of this country, are all what has gotten us to where we are today and not the PDP.

How come this APC led administration is silent about the recent happenings, particularly in Abuja, Lagos, Osun and Edo?

How come the civil societies are also silent?

Where is the NLC, TUC, Women Arise for Change Initiative, SNG etc?

Should we assume their silence means consent?

It is also worthy of note that in the over 5years of the APC led Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the Civil Society have become dumb and blind to the turn of events in the nation.

Have they kept mute out of fear?

The situation in the nation during the PDP Era was still manageable as compared to what we have now, but it was enough to bring the Civil Societies out on the Streets to “Occupy Nigeria” or to “Save Nigeria” at that time.

It is a big shame that they all took advantage of the fact that the Former President Goodluck Jonathans administration stood for human rights and freedom of expression rather than allow organised hoodlums, thugs and fierce looking policemen face the civil societies at that time.

The Civil Societies now seem to be deaf and dumb to the yearnings of the Youths, and that is why the Youths of the nation have decided to take the bull by the horn by protesting on the streets to save the nation.

The well coordinated and well articulated protests are now being polluted by ungodly politicians.

Can we have imagined how laudable it would have been if the civil societies had joined the youths in this agitations, if they sincerely have the good of the nation at heart.

It is really disheartening that the agitations unleashed at the time of former President Goodluck Jonathan can now be said to have been full of hatred, distrust, greed, political bias and selfish connotations.

It is also extremely disheartening that, hooligans, political touts and the military have been unleashed on the peaceful Youths to discredit the protests.

Meanwhile, the number of deaths are increasing by the day and yet this deafening silence by our so called Civil Society Conveners.

We in the Lagos State PDP hereby categorically state that, the blood of all the Youths taking part in these peaceful protests nationwide is sacred and must be treated as such by those in authority.

Those expected to support, encourage and act on the youths behalf, now need to stand up rather than keeping silent.

The Leaders of the Civil Societies must realise that “Silence means Consent” or could it be that some of them were receiving gratification for their actions?

At least some of them have their children working as public servants in the same administration that is committing the offence.

We hereby call on Tunde Bakare, Nobel Laurette, Wole Soyinka, Dr Mrs Okei-Odumakin, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr Ezekwesili, etc to come out to “Walk their Talk” for the good of our dear nation.

It is time for these Leaders of note to stand up and protect the Leaders of Tomorrow and allow the NonGovermental Organizations ie NUJ & NJC to mediate between Government and the ever growing and hard working Youths of our dear Country.

The shedding of Blood and killing of any Youth is not the answer!!!!!!

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long Live People’s Democratic Party

Signed:
Engr Adedeji Doherty
Chairman People’s Democratic Party PDP Lagos State Chapter