The Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), the umbrella Organization of the 179 Town Unions in Anambra State, comprising the Presidents-General, the Women Wing, the Youth Wing, and the Student Wing, has urged caution regarding the planned nationwide protest against the current economic hardships in Nigeria.
National President of ASATU, Chief Barrister Titus Akpudo (Ichaka-Egbe Eji Gbu Agu) in a statement available to our Correspondent said the union acknowledged that citizens have the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest, but said such actions must be conducted within the boundaries of law and order, and should be free from violence, disruption of economic activities and destruction of lives and property.
The ASATU boss warned that protests are vulnerable to being hijacked by hooligans, miscreants and political thugs who may exploit the situation to commit acts of violence and engage in criminal activities for political or selfish gains.
Most importantly, ASATU expressed concern that the protest could create a dangerous environment in which Ndigbo, especially Ndi Anambrarians, along with their businesses and properties, may be “maliciously and unfairly/unjustly targeted and destroyed across the nation”.
He said though the whole part of the country is facing absolute tough times as a result of the bitting economic hardships on the masses, Anambrarians within and outside the state and Nigerians in general should apply maximum cautions to avoid unwarranted destruction of lives, goods and properties.
The ASATU National President further called on the Presidents-General of various communities and leaders of Ndi Anambra and Ndi Igbo generally across the state to ensure that people remain law biding and of good conduct during this critical period and of course always in order not give room for wilful attacks on our people.
He called for dialogue and diplomacy between the protest organizers and the Federal Government as a constructive means of addressing the current challenges, and further appealed to the Federal Government to critically look into the yearnings of the masses in order to alleviate their pains and suffering, saying that “people are being choked up on daily basis as a result of the economic challenges”.
The ASATU leader emphasized that the protest may ultimately prove counterproductive if the protesters fail to heed to the call for dialogue, peaceful protest or resort to violence.