By joshua 
UN-POLAC writes Tinubu, Urges Him To Stop October protest
Success Nwogu
The Country President of the United Nation’s Positive Livelihood Award Centre, (UN-POLAC), Ambassador Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has urged President Bola Tinubu to stop the planned protest on October 1, 2024.
She also appealed to Tinubu to prevent further protests in Nigeria.
These were contained in an open letter she wrote to the President which was made available to Saturday Telegraph on Saturday. The letter was titled: “Urgent need to cultivate a culture of peace in Nigeria.”
She reminded Tinubu that the 2024 International Day of Peace celebration is unique as it also marks the 76th anniversary of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide.
She stated that the 2024 International Day of Peace therefore urges individuals and governments to be more peaceful, proactive, and positive societal agents, joining the peace movement to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and thereby building enduring peace in and all around our world by the special grace of God.
Adesanya-Davies said: “We look forward to your prompt action on these critical and crucial issues and we do not look forward to any further or more protests in Nigeria, whether on 1st October, 2024 or in the nearest future. Please nip it all at the bud so our citizens would not have to lose their lives nor there be any further vandalization and wanton destruction of properties in Nigeria.
“Wars begin in the minds of men, so it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.”
“Your excellency sir: On this International Day of Peace, we extend our warm regards and goodwill to you, Mr. President and hope that this letter finds you in peace and good health.
“We are writing to you with deep concern over the state of Peace and Security in our beloved country, Nigeria.”
She added: “From the office of the Country President of the United Nation’s Positive Livelihood Award Centre, (UN-POLAC), Amb. Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, we join the United Nations, UNESCO and global community in promoting peace and reconciliation and extend our wishes of peace to Nigeria.
“We acknowledge your efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the nation, particularly your recent call to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to maintain peace and unity. We appreciate you had directed Vice President Shettima to lead Nigerian delegation to 79th UN General Assembly this year, so you could focus on Nigerian domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges.
“Today, while the world marks the United Nations 2024 International Day of Peace, with the theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” we at the United Nations – POLAC celebrate and wish to reinstate and re-emphasize to you, your excellency, the importance of cultivating a culture of peace in our nation, Nigeria.”
She emphasized that key pillars for cultivating a culture of peace include: Promoting dialogue and understanding by encouraging open communication among diverse groups to foster mutual respect.
She added that addressing inequality and justice by ensuring equal opportunities and addressing social injustices; and fostering Education and Awareness by educating citizens on peace building-and conflict resolution are also key pillars.
She, therefore, urged him to prioritize these pillars and ensure Nigeria becomes a beacon of peace and harmony.
Adesanya-Davies said: “Mr President sir: You will recall in another open letter dated, August 29, 2024 signed by David Ugolor, the Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)/on behalf of the CSOs Representatives, it was documented that:
“Nigeria is at a critical juncture. Since your assumption of office, several of your policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira, have led to significant economic hardship for the average Nigerian. Prices of essential commodities have surged, and the exchange rate has deteriorated, exacerbating the challenges faced by millions of citizens. Coupled with the ongoing insecurity in many parts of the country, the situation has become increasingly unbearable for the people.”
“In response to these hardships, from August 1 to 10, 2024, Nigerians took to the streets to express their frustration and demand better governance. The peaceful protests were a call to action for your administration to address the suffering of the people and to take decisive steps to improve governance and economic conditions.
“Although we do not condone the actions of some criminals who have been duly tried and found guilty of looting citizens,’ government properties, and sabotaging the protest, we are deeply troubled by the government’s response to these peaceful demonstrations.
“Reports indicate that several individuals have been detained nationwide, with some facing legal action for exercising their constitutional right to protest. Moreover, the excessive use of force by security agencies, resulting in the tragic deaths of several protesters, is alarming and as such unacceptable.
“Even of more concern is the government’s characterization of the protests as an attempt at “regime change” or a “coup,” which has further escalated tensions. While we acknowledge the recent steps taken by your administration, such as the signing of the amended National Minimum Wage Act and the distribution of food aid, we believe these measures, though well-intentioned, were not sufficient to address the root causes of the unrest. More strategic efforts would still have to be put in place.
“Your Excellency, the right to peaceful protest and assembly is a fundamental democratic principle enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended). We remind you of your past involvement in protests under previous administrations, which underscores the importance of respecting citizens’ rights to express their grievances.
“In light of this, we strongly appeal to you, to initiate the process of unconditional release of all individuals detained for participating in this peaceful protests. These citizens should not be criminalized for exercising their democratic rights and law enforcement agencies should respect human rights norms as they enforce the use of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.
“Your Excellency and Mr President sir, Nigeria stands at a crossroad. The actions your administration takes in the coming days will significantly influence the direction of our country. We believe that with decisive and compassionate leadership, you will continue to restore public confidence and steer Nigeria toward a path of peace, prosperity and justice for all its citizens, and you’re up to it.”
“Once again Mr. President, Happy 2024 Internation Day Od Peace!”