Former Secretary to Delta State Government, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay has appealed to Delta Youths and Nigerians at large to refrain from joining the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship, saying that they should opt instead for constructive engagement and dialogue.
Macaulay made the appeal in a statement made available to newsmen, at the weekend, in Asaba.
While acknowledging the economic hardships faced by Nigerians and the frustration that has sparked widespread concern, Macaulay said the country is too volatile for a Nationwide Protest, considering the negative consequences of it if not properly planned.
He said; “Protests, while a democratic right, must be considered carefully in the context of their potential of negative impact. Are the organisers of the protest guaranteing the possibility of it not to be hijacked by hoodlums, which if hijacked will lead to destruction of properties and government infrastructures.
“Delta State is a developing State, engaging in a protest might led to the destruction of some few infrastructural developments we have achieved in our Dear State.
“In the past, as a Labour Leader, I have lead several protest which were never hijacked or led to destruction of infrastructures that we have in the State. Fifth columnist are waiting to portray the protest in a way that might jeopardise the current democracy that we are practicing in Nigeria.
“I therefore urge the youths to embrace dialogue rather than protest because honestly, protests at this time won’t help the country. Any negative implications of the protest will aggravate the sufferings of the masses.” Comrade Macaulay concluded.