A former aide to Cross River Government on Humanitarian Affairs, Martha Agba has urged youths to embrace dialogue for the interest of peace and unity.
Martha Agba, a former delegate at the UN CSW68 made this known at a press interview in Abuja. She urged the youths to embrace dialogue for the purpose of national unity. She said “Nigeria is the most populous black nation on earth and so the current challenges we face as a nation are synonymous with countries like ours. Today, we have a country that is well respected by the community of states and so the need for national dialogue and cohesion”
Martha added that while it is constitutionally right to protest there is need to look back at the results of past protests, most notably the #EndSars protest which started as genuine call for police restructuring, but later metamorphosed to a catastrophic event that cost lives and millions of properties. Martha said “We are all witnesses to the sad story of #Endars. The protest started as a well-intended struggle but later caused the country a whole lot. Like many other protests with no clear leadership structure, it is evident that this current protest is sadly taking the same shape as that of #Endsars. While I appreciate the youths for making their voices heard, advocating for justice and reform, we must also acknowledge that our nation can not afford the same crisis we witnessed aftermath of the #EndSars protest”.
Martha called on the President to look inwards and see how some of the genuine issues raised can be addressed. Urging the Federal Government to meet with selected youth leaders to dialogue and listen to the genuine concerns. She said “My fellow youths, you have made your points, it is wide and clear, now it is time for dialogue, establish a clear agenda, foster collaborations build understanding and prevent violence. This will help in addressing the concerns raised. Nigeria is an idea that should be treasured and sold to the world with pride at all times”