Nigerian Youths Urged to Embrace Peaceful Engagement Over Protest

Abuja, Nigeria – July 28, 2024 – Amid rising tensions and the call for protests, the Honourable Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has issued a heartfelt appeal to the youth of Nigeria. In an open letter, she acknowledges the frustrations driving the desire to protest but urges the youth to consider peaceful engagement, dialogue, and collaboration as alternatives.

In her letter, Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasizes the potential for destruction and chaos that often accompanies faceless protests, which can set the nation back. She calls for patience in the face of these challenges, expressing confidence that the current leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to build a prosperous future for all Nigerians. She highlights the President’s commitment and love for the country, promising that the benefits of his policies will soon be evident in various aspects of life.

The Ministry of Police Affairs, according to the Minister, has prioritized youth-centric programs and engaged local communities through multiple town halls. These interactions have informed a transformative roadmap aimed at reforming the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The vision is to create a world-class, inclusive, community-based, intelligence-led, and technologically driven police force that excels in maintaining public safety, upholding the rule of law, and fostering community trust through transparent and accountable practices.

Significant progress has been made in expanding the human and technical capabilities of the NPF. A commitment to recruiting over 40,000 young Nigerians into the Force over the next few years is underway, with the 2024 recruitment plans already at an advanced stage. Welfare improvements have boosted officers’ morale, leading to an increasing level of discipline and professionalism within the Force. Additionally, the Ministry of Youths has partnered with the NPF to create a platform for robust engagement and grievance reporting.

Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim also mentions the strengthening of the Police Public Complaint Committee and the enhanced response time of the Complaint Response Unit. These platforms allow the public to lodge complaints against police officers, with the Ministry closely monitoring and ensuring resolution of all cases. She urges the youth to utilize these channels for any NPF-related complaints or challenges.

Acknowledging the crossroads at which the nation stands, the Minister calls for the energy, creativity, and passion of the youth to drive positive change. She warns against the potential for protests to be hijacked by criminal elements, leading to unintended consequences and creating divisions that are difficult to heal. Instead, she advocates for constructive conversations, mutual understanding, and collaboration towards common goals.

In her concluding remarks, Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim expresses hope for a united Nigeria that offers hope, opportunity, and justice for every citizen, urging the youth to work together to build a nation they can be proud of.

“God bless our youths. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she writes, underscoring her commitment to the nation’s future.