APRA Expresses Solidarity With Nigeria, Calls for Dialogue As #Endbadgovernance Protests Enter Day 5

As the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria have entered its third day, with tensions escalating in some quarters in the country, the African Public Relations Association (APRA) has issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Nigerian government and people while urging for continuous dialogue to resolve the crisis.

The protests, which began in response to rising costs of living, have quickly spread across major cities in Nigeria. Citizens have taken to the streets to voice their frustrations over economic hardships, including soaring inflation, fuel scarcity, and widespread unemployment.

In a statement shared with Brand Communicator, APRA’s president, Arik Karani, emphasized the importance of civil liberties and the right to protest in a democracy. “Protests and advocacies for improved social conditions are constitutive of civil liberties and central to democratic practice,” Karani stated. He commended the Nigerian government for its “expressed guarantee and non-aversion to the expression of the right to protests by citizens.”

With the situation taking a dark turn, APRA expressed deep concern over reports of fatalities, including both civilians and security forces. The association also noted widespread looting of businesses, theft of equipment from public utilities, and destruction of property, including telecommunications infrastructure and food processing facilities.

The continental body strongly condemned the ensuring violence, stating that such actions run counter to the association’s commitment to seeing Africa prosper. “APRA’s commitment to seeing Africa prosper requires that we condemn the unjustifiable death of citizens and security personnel as well as looting and vandalism of infrastructure emplaced to improve the quality of life of the people,” the statement read.

It also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities from all parties involved. The association is advocating for “continuous dialogue and sincere conversations to ensure quick and concrete resolutions of the issues.”

APRA’s statement also highlighted the strategic importance of Nigeria to the continent, describing it as “central to Africa’s vision for the progress and development of the continent.” This underscores the potential regional implications of prolonged unrest in Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy.

For lives that have been lost, APRA expressed condolences to their families and wished for a speedy recovery for those injured. The association also called for support for businesses and individuals who have suffered property damage, emphasizing the need for economic recovery alongside addressing the protesters’ demands.

It further urged both national and subnational entities to work with all stakeholders to restore normalcy.

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