UN-POLAC writes Tinubu, implores him to avert October 1 protest
Joseph Irikefe
The Country President of the United Nation’s Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC), Ambassador Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has urged President Bola Tinubu to stop the planned protest on October 1, 2024.
She also appealed to Tinubu to prevent further protests in Nigeria.
These were contained in an open letter she wrote to the President which was made available to Sunday Telegraph yesterday. The letter was titled: “Urgent need to cultivate a culture of peace in Nigeria.”
She reminded Tinubu that the 2024 International Day of Peace celebration is unique as it also marks the 76th anniversary of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide.
She stated that the 2024 International Day of Peace therefore urges individuals and governments to be more peaceful, proactive, and positive societal agents, joining the peace movement to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and thereby building enduring peace in and all around our world by the special grace of God.
Adesanya-Davies said: “We look forward to your prompt action on these critical and crucial issues and we do not look forward to any further or more protests in Nigeria, whether on 1st October, 2024 or in the nearest future. Please nip it all at the bud so our citizens would not have to lose their lives nor there be any further vandalization and wanton destruction of properties in Nigeria.
“Wars begin in the minds of men, so it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.”
“Your excellency sir: On this International Day of Peace, we extend our warm regards and goodwill to you, Mr. President and hope that this letter finds you in peace and good health.
“We are writing to you with deep concern over the state of Peace and Security in our beloved country, Nigeria.”
She added: “We join the United Nations (UNESCO), and global community in promoting peace and reconciliation and extend our wishes of peace to Nigeria.
“We acknowledge your efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the nation, particularly your recent call to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to maintain peace and unity. We appreciate you had directed Vice President Shettima to lead Nigerian delegation to 79th UN General Assembly this year, so you could focus on Nigerian domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges.
“While the world marks the United Nations 2024 International Day of Peace, with the theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” we at the United Nations – POLAC celebrate and wish to reinstate and re-emphasize to you, Your Excellency, the importance of cultivating a culture of peace in our nation, Nigeria.”
She emphasized that key pillars for cultivating a culture of peace include: Promoting dialogue and understanding by encouraging open communication among diverse groups to foster mutual respect.
She added that addressing inequality and justice by ensuring equal opportunities and addressing social injustices; and fostering Education and Awareness by educating citizens on peace building-and conflict resolution are also key pillars.
She, therefore, urged him to prioritize these pillars and ensure Nigeria becomes a beacon of peace and harmony.