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Sheikh Ibrahim Maqari |
Prof. Ibrahim Maqari, an Islamic cleric and member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has commended the planned #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest for catalyzing significant changes in the country in a short period.
"If it were up to me, I would tell the youths, 'Thank you, well done, and I appreciate you,’” Maqari stated in a video seen by SaharaReporters.
Maqari highlighted the profound impact the fear of the protest has had on Nigeria’s development.
"The mere fear of the protest has brought about many changes and developments in Nigeria that neither the preaching of clerics nor the advice from experienced politicians, combined with the efforts of previous administrations, have achieved," he noted.
The cleric attributed the President’s proactive measures to the looming protest.
"Just because of the fear of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, the President has implemented numerous initiatives that are enough for Nigerians to say ‘thank you, God,’" Maqari remarked.
He emphasized the positive outcomes from these changes, saying, "It is a very good and positive development for the country if the successes achieved due to the fear of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest can be sustained. We pray for its sustainability.”
In the video clip obtained by SaharaReporters, Maqari advised youths to understand the importance of timing in their actions.
"Humans should understand that there is a time to speak out and a time to remain silent," he said. He suggested that, given the significant changes already achieved, the protest should be paused to give the government time to address further issues.
"The youths should hold off on protesting and give the government a set timeframe to address their concerns," he recommended. "For example, from this month to that month, the government must accomplish specific tasks."
He underscored the crucial role of the youth in Nigeria’s progress.
"Youths are the only hope for this country now," Maqari asserted.
He warned that reducing the pressure on the government might expose the youths’ vulnerabilities.
"Backing off from the protest might lead the government to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the youths, which could result in more harm to the country," he explained.
Despite criticisms from opposition parties, Maqari argued that only the youth could effectively voice the people’s concerns.
"No matter what or from which angle a political leader from an opposition party speaks, the ruling elite will dismiss it as mockery.
“It is only the youths who can now speak for us," he stated.
Maqari pointed out that the youth-led movement had already led to significant legislative successes.
"Because of this protest, the Senate has passed the minimum wage bill that labor unions and civil servants have been struggling to achieve for many years, all due to the fear of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest scheduled for August 1-10," he concluded.
