Dunia, Tejere Appeal For Calm, Advocate For Dialogue Over Protest

Two prominent leaders in the Niger Delta, Mr. Peter Dunia, popularly known as Peter Black and Mr. Tejere Jolomi, have joined the calls on the organisers of the planned nationwide protests to shelve the action.

Dunia and Tejere in a joint statement issued on Monday, urged all aggrieved Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Though Dunia and Tejere acknowledged the difficulties being faced by teeming Nigerians but they pleaded with them
to give President Tinubu enough time to address the multifaceted problems plaguing the country.

They said a period of one year was not enough to rate the performance of President Tinubu.

Dunia and Tejere said President Tinubu has put the country on the path of sustainable growth and development, adding that the Tinubu administration needed the cooperation and support of all Nigerians to implement his campaign manifestos as enshrined in the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA.

They listed the potential harms the protests could do to the peace and unity of the country and called on the organisers to embrace dialogue.

THE FULL TEXT OF THEIR STATEMENTS

Dear fellow Nigerians, during these challenging and transformative times, it is essential to remember the importance of unity, patience, and peaceful dialogue.

With a heavy heart and profound concern, we – Mr. Peter Dunia (Peter Black) and Mr. Tejere Jolomi, urge all Nigerians to refrain from participating in any nationwide protests slated to commence on Thursday, August 1st 2024, because of the inherent potentials to destabilize our cherished country.

*A CALL FOR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING

We acknowledged the deep-seated grievances and frustrations many Nigerians experience but we need to understand that the journey to meaningful change is indeed arduous and filled with obstacles.

It’s crucial to recognise that our nation’s challenges, particularly those related to leadership and development, did not manifest overnight.

These issues have developed over decades, and expecting immediate solutions from President Tinubu’s administration within a year is unrealistic.

*ASSESSING POTENTIAL RISKS OF THE PLANNED PROTESTS

We must emphasize the dangerous consequences of a mass protest, which could devolve into anarchy and bloodshed, threatening the very fabric of our society. Lessons from the Niger Delta region, for instance, the Warri Ijaw/Itsekiri bloody ethnic bloodbath, demonstrated amply how
internal conflicts can snowball into a full- scale war, if the prevailing circumstances are not
handled with caution and empathy. Warri and its adjoining coastal communities are yet to recover from the impacts of the needless fracticidal war.

This example serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the ease with which long-standing tensions can flare up.

*UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Nigeria is a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures and communities. Our strength lies in transcending these differences and working collaboratively towards a shared goal.

President Tinubu and his cabinet are committed to steering the nation into a path of development and prosperity.

However, this feat can only be realized through our collective patience and steadfast commitment to peace.

It is always important to express our concerns for the country’s growth, but we must do so responsibly.

• A PLEA FOR CALM AND CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT

We implore all Nigerians, particularly our dynamic youth, to channel their energy and passion into constructive avenues. Let us engage in meaningful dialogue, hold our leaders accountable through lawful and peaceful means, and collaboratively address the issues we face.

Our nation’s progress depends on our ability to stay united and resilient in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, we urge every Nigerian to shelve the planned nationwide protests that could endanger our nation’s stability and threaten our nascent democracy.

Let us come together to resolve Nigeria’s socio-economic and political maladies through peaceful and collaborative efforts.

Together, we can build a brighter and more harmonious future for ourselves and generations to come.

With deepest respect and hope.

SIGNED BY COMPATRIOTS IN NATION BUILDING –

MR. PETER DUNIA ( PETER BLACK)

MR. TEJERE JOLOMI,
M.D. LETI VINTAGE LTD.