The Yoruba Revolutionary Movement (YOREM) has called for a respectful and restrained approach by Nigerian security forces during the upcoming ‘Day Of Rage’ national protests from August 1 to 10, 2024.
Comrade Wale Balogun, National Coordinator of YOREM, emphasised the importance of non-violence during a press conference at the International Press Centre in Lagos on July 27, 2024.
“Protesters from August 1st, 2024, are your children; they are your brothers, they are your sisters, they are your relations, they are your families, and they are your friends. Do not kill them as games in support of insensitive and irresponsible rulers,” Balogun stated.
Balogun highlighted the shared struggles of both protesters and security personnel, who face similar hardships due to governmental mismanagement and corruption.
He urged security forces to exercise decorum, recognising that the protests aim to address widespread suffering and hunger.
“Protesters are not waging war against the Nigerian state. We are only saying Enough is enough to hunger, starvation and deprivation in the midst of plenty. We are only saying our human and minerals resources should be used for the collective good of all,” he said.
“We know you are also victims of the wanton looting of our national treasury by conscienceless characters in the corridors of power,” Balogun said. “Protesters are not waging war against the Nigerian state. We are only saying ‘Enough is enough’ to hunger, starvation, and deprivation in the midst of plenty.”
YOREM’s appeal to security forces is a call for understanding and solidarity in the face of shared adversities, emphasising that the protests are a peaceful plea for social and economic justice.
It said, “We call on our people to disregard the unfounded allegations that the August national protest is targeted against a myopic Yoruba interest.
“Historically, the Yoruba had been in the forefront of resistance struggles against exploitation, repression, corruption, dehumanisation and subjugation by our internal and external oppressors and colonisers.
“And we should not and must not shied away from joining hands with others in fighting the ruinous elite ruling class who has brought untold hardship on us.
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