The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has expressed unequivocal solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria in response to the protests against the rising costs of living in the country.
APRA President, Arik Karani called for sincere and continuous dialogue to ensure a speedy resolution of thissues that led to the protests.
According to the statement, protests and advocacies for improved social conditions are fundamental civil liberties and central to democratic practice. Without the guarantee of these liberties, democracy cannot thrive.
“APRA commends the Nigerian government for its expressed guarantee and non-aversion to the right of citizens to protest and for the measures it has taken to prevent the escalation of the crisis,” the statement said.
However, APRA noted with concern the reported deaths of citizens and security forces, injuries to many, and the looting of business assets, theft of equipment, and other resources in public utilities, including telecommunication infrastructure and food processing companies. Instances of destruction and arson have also been reported since the first day of protests. APRA’s commitment to seeing Africa prosper requires condemning the unjustifiable deaths of citizens and security personnel, as well as the looting and vandalism of infrastructure meant to improve the quality of life for the people.
“Therefore, we call on all actors—state and non-state—to cease hostilities and outrage. Instead, APRA advocates for continuous dialogue and sincere conversations to ensure quick and concrete resolutions of the issues. We call on the Nigerian government, including subnational entities, to work with all stakeholders to restore normalcy to the nation. Nigeria is central to Africa’s vision for the progress and development of the continent,” the statement added.
The organisation said it shares the grief of families who have lost loved ones in the ongoing crisis and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed. “We wish those recuperating from injuries a speedy and complete recovery and hope that institutions and individuals who have lost property will be supported to recover quickly and return to business, aiding the government’s effort to rejuvenate the Nigerian economy,” it said.
