A group, Concerned Nigerian Network in Diaspora and Rebuild Nigeria Movement (CNNDRNM) says calm and open dialogue is the immediate solution to escalating protests that gripped the nation in the past few days.
The group therefore called on the government and the general public to be calm as well as engage in constructive dialogue toward resolving the challenges in the country.
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Abuja, on Thursday, the President of the Group, Amb. James Erebuoye urged demonstrators and authorities to prioritize conversation over confrontation.
“As tensions have risen, with clashes between protesters and police becoming increasingly frequent, CNNDRNM’s message is clear: dialogue is the only path to sustainable resolution,” he said, adding that the group understands the anger and frustration felt by the protesting members of the public.
“However, violence is not the solution, violence will only deepen divisions,” Erebuoye said, adding that the parities “need to come together and talk.”
The protests, which began as a response to economic challenges in the country, have grown in size and intensity, drawing attention from national media and prompting heavy police presence.
Demonstrators are demanding an end to bad governance, while authorities have enforced stricter measures, including curfews and roadblocks, to control the unrest, Erebuoye stated.
Erebuoye emphasized that CNNDRNM is not against the protests but is concerned about the potential for further violence, saying: “We must protect each other and our country by finding a peaceful way forward.”
CNNDRNM has proposed a series of national summits, inviting leaders from both sides to engage in structured discussions. It is expected that by providing a platform for all voices to be heard, a mutually agreeable solution can be reached.
The group’s call for calm has been met with mixed reactions. Some protest leaders expressed skepticism, questioning whether dialogue alone can achieve the changes they seek. Others, however, have welcomed the idea, seeing it as a way to avoid further escalation.
As the situation develops, CNNDRNM continues to advocate for nonviolence, hoping that the message will resonate with a community on the edge. “Now, more than ever, we need to listen to each other,” Erebuoye said, adding that “only through understanding and cooperation can we move forward.”
