ASATU CAUTIONS AGAINST NATIONWIDE PROTEST
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 facing the country.
In a statement signed by its National President, Chief Titus Akpudo (Ichaka-Egbe Eji Gbu Agu), the organization acknowledged that while citizens have the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest, such actions must be conducted within the boundaries of law and order. Protests should be free from violence, disruption of economic activities, and the destruction of lives and property.
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 the Anambrarians*, along with their businesses and properties, may be maliciously and unfairly/unjustly targeted and destroyed across the nation.
He further called that in as much as 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.
ASATU further calls on the Presidents-General of our various communities and Leaders of Ndi Anambra and Ndi Igbo generally across the State to ensure that our 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.
Therefore, ASATU Boss advocates for dialogue and diplomacy between the protest organizers and the Federal Government as a constructive means of addressing the current challenges. He further appealed to the Federal government to critically look into the yarning of the masses, to alleviate their pains and suffering as people are being choked up on daily basis as a result of the economic challenges.
He emphasized that the protest may ultimately prove counterproductive if the protesters fail to heed to the call of dialogue, peaceful protest or resort to violence.
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