The South East Renewed Hope Ambassadors (SERHA) have advised the people of the South-East against participating in the planned #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.
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The group emphasized that if there is to be any protest, it should be focused on the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), whom they consider the only true Nigerian still in detention.
In a statement signed by its leaders, including President, Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu, Vice President Barr. Dr. Ugochukwu Ugwu, Secretary General Comrade Nwogba Morgan N., Youths President Hon. Joseph Odumuko, and Imo State leader Hon. Mrs Lovett Emere, SERHA disassociated itself from the planned nationwide protest.
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They warned that such protests could further destabilize the already fragile security situation in the South-East.
SERHA’s statement, titled “August 1st Protest: South East Renewed Hope Ambassadors Disassociates Self,” cautioned against participating in protests that might exacerbate unrest in the region.
The group reminded the people of the South-East’s past experiences of marginalization and violence, particularly the devastation of the Nigerian Civil War, and urged them to avoid actions that could lead to further suffering.
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The statement highlighted the South-East’s historical struggles, noting that the region had endured significant hardships without national solidarity.
SERHA recalled the impact of the #ENDSARS protests in October 2020, which they said had severe negative consequences for the South-East and the entire nation.
The group reiterated that the region is still recovering and should avoid involvement in any protest that could worsen the security situation.
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SERHA urged the people to support the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate economic hardships, citing initiatives such as the Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles procurement, the Student Loan Scheme, distribution of agricultural inputs, the new National Minimum Wage Bill, local government autonomy, and the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).
They also mentioned the progress towards creating a sixth state for the South-East, Etiti State.
The group called on youth bodies, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and market leaders across the South-East to join them in discouraging participation in the nationwide protest and to promote peace and national unity.
SERHA emphasized the importance of patience and resilience, supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as it works to strengthen institutions for growth and development.
“We have no reason to join any protest unless it is for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement concluded, urging those pushing for the protest to reconsider in the best interest of Nigeria.
