In a heartfelt open letter, Ambassador Tony Young Godswill has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the growing discontent among Nigerians, ahead of a planned national peace protest set for August 1, 2024.
Amb. Godswill expressed deep concern over the nation’s current state, underscoring the President’s critical role in alleviating tensions. Drawing a parallel with the biblical story of blind Bartimaeus, he emphasized the need for President Tinubu to heed the people’s cries and take decisive action to address their grievances.
“Nigerians have been crying out for attention and action,” Godswill wrote. “Asking us to calm down and keep quiet without solving our immediate needs will only worsen the situation and may turn violent.”
Amb. Godswill highlighted the love and support many Nigerians have for President Tinubu, urging him to view the unrest as a call to action. He outlined several recommendations for the President to consider in the days leading up to the planned protest:
- Acknowledge the People’s Cries: He urged the President to listen to Nigerians, warning that ignoring their cries or asking for patience without taking concrete steps would only intensify unrest.
- Initiate a Stakeholder Meeting: He advised President Tinubu to convene a meeting with respected leaders to discuss their demands, which would show the masses that they have the President’s attention and create calmness across the nation.
- Address Pressing Needs: While acknowledging that Nigeria’s problems cannot be solved within a single term, he emphasized the need to address urgent issues to restore public confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership.
- Be Wary of Internal Saboteurs: He warned of potential saboteurs within the President’s cabinet and recommended initiating a peace dialogue with key leaders rather than using force or threats.
Amb. Godswill’s letter is both a plea and a roadmap for navigating the nation’s challenges, stressing empathy and genuine engagement with the populace. He concluded by underscoring the importance of listening to trusted advisors, specifically mentioning Prophet Dr. Isa El-Buba, and praying for peace, prosperity, and wisdom for the President.
Amb. Tony Young Godswill serves as the National Secretary and North Central Regional Coordinator for the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN). His letter reflects a deep commitment to Nigeria’s well-being and urges President Tinubu to take immediate and compassionate action to address the nation’s challenges.
