Dialogue with FG to reform the Police Al-Usrah advised Nigerian Youths
By Opara Nkem
Nigerian youths have been advised to explore options of dialogue with the federal government in their agitation for reform of the police. This advice was made in Port Harcourt by a premium Port Harcourt based Islamic organization called Al-Usrah Incorporated through a press release made available to journalists on Tuesday 27th October, 2020. The president of the organization Prof. AbdulRazaq Kilani asked the federal government to improve on her communication and engagement strategy. He said the last three weeks have been very challenging to everyone both the leaders and the led. Governance is a contract between the citizens and the elected leaders. The poor conditions of service of all public officers including the police with a Constable earning paltry sum monthly while some politicians go home monthly with about N13million explains the injustice of our land. However, in Islam to prevent harm, disorderliness or civil strife takes priority over attaining benefit over an issue. The legal ruling of no demonstration is unacceptable to the ordinary Muslims who do not understand and refuse to ask questions. Ask the people of knowledge if you don't know (Q 21:7).
He further observed that the rights of dissent and protest are inalienable rights guaranteed in every democracy. Nigeria is a democracy. Rate of youth unemployment in Nigeria is alarming, the outcome of 2015 and 2019 general elections is partly responsible for the tension in the country. Brutality and extra judicial acts (Killings and protracted detention of suspects) by the operatives of now disbanded SARS went unchecked for years by constituted authority. No one is safe is a class struggle. Vandalism and looting of properties are results of class war, fake news, fear mongering, ethnic profiling pervade our society, politicians are dangerously scheming for 2023 political succession while indeed it is Allah that gives power to whom he pleases.
Al-Usrah advised Muslim families to raise children with fear of Allah and imbibe right societal values in them
The National Assembly was advised to amend 1999 Constitution as amended so as to review the Exclusive List. States should be given more responsibilities. These responsibilities will create more opportunities for Nigerians.
Muslims both old and young were encouraged to get actively involved in the media space. This Prof. Kilani believe will give voice to the Muslims.
He admonished the youths to realize that protests can only be organized in a society that is orderly.
In conclusion federal government was advised to improve on its communication and engagement policy and strategy. Failure to connect with the people on issues of governance is not good enough. Silence can be taken as contempt and incompetence. Youths must conduct themselves in an orderly manner and explore options of dialogue. Federal Government should seize this opportunity to undertake holistic reform of the Police.
The recent happenings, particularly the aftermath of the protest which includes looting, rape, murder, destruction of properties amongst other are clear evident that most youth lack self efficacy and positive outlook. This tells why they are easily bought as tools for destruction. Part of the responsibility of the government to ensure the productiveness of it's youth is to create opportunities and workable structure. Government needs to take responsibility and re- strategize through Educational reforms and redesigning the curriculum from nursery to tatiary institution. I suggest that education/schooling should be individual centered, it should be shifted from exam focus to self discovery and development. Morals and civic duty should be seriously inculcated and taught and made compulsory subjects. Government should create opportunities for the ready and preapered individuals. Youth shouldn't labour, school and invest without equal or better rewards. Will also like to suggest that lot of psychologists and counsellors should be engaged across all levels of schooling to help shape the minds and thought of learners from nursery to tatiary. The recent happenings exposed the fact that most people are sick minded. Parents and other well to do citizens also have their roles to play.
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