The Yoruba Revolutionary Movement (YOREM) has urged Nigerian security forces to adopt a respectful and restrained approach during the forthcoming ‘Day Of Rage’ national protests, scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024.
During a press conference at the International Press Centre in Lagos on July 27, 2024, Comrade Wale Balogun, National Coordinator of YOREM, emphasized the importance of non-violence. He appealed to security personnel, highlighting that both they and the protesters face similar hardships due to governmental mismanagement and corruption.
“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. He emphasized the shared struggles of both groups, who are equally affected by the country’s mismanagement and corruption.
Balogun urged security forces to exercise decorum, recognizing 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. Our human and mineral resources should be used for the collective good of all,” he said.
YOREM’s appeal to security forces is a call for understanding and solidarity in the face of shared adversities, emphasizing that the protests are a peaceful plea for social and economic justice. The group also called on the public to disregard unfounded allegations that the August protests target a myopic Yoruba interest.
“Historically, the Yoruba have been at the forefront of resistance struggles against exploitation, repression, corruption, dehumanization, and subjugation by both internal and external oppressors and colonizers. We should not shy away from joining hands with others in fighting the ruinous elite ruling class who have brought untold hardship on us,” the statement added.
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