The Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu, has stated that the council does not support the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to 10.
Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, made this announcement during a forum at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.
He emphasized that the council opposes any agitation organized by unidentified individuals and is advocating for calm. He urged those planning the protest to find alternative ways to express their grievances to avoid nationwide chaos.
Asadu highlighted the risk of peaceful protests being hijacked by miscreants, leading to anarchy. He called for dialogue, stressing that “it is easier to destroy than to build.”
He also urged the federal government to engage with the protest organizers in dialogue, acknowledging the difficult economic situation and the removal of fuel subsidies that are affecting communities.
Expressing his personal experience, Asadu said, “I am feeling it in my community because the people come to me every day for assistance. We are not in any way supporting the protest at all.” However, he reiterated the need for the government to engage in dialogue, referring to the President as the “Father of the nation.”
Asadu encouraged traditional rulers to engage their communities by organizing festive activities and focusing on what they can do for their people, rather than relying solely on the government.
The NAN reported that several groups have withdrawn from the planned protests against economic hardship. For instance, Enugu Innovative Youths, a group from the South-east, has opted out to avoid worsening the security situation, recalling the aftermath of the ENDSARS protest.
Asadu also called on the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu, suggesting that his release would reduce tension in the South-east. He noted that the council supports calls for Kanu’s release from various stakeholders, including South-east governors and lawmakers, stating, “He is our son. He has been there for a long time, in spite of the ups and downs of the judiciary.”
