OPSN Condemn Looting, Burning, Destruction Of Infrastructure Across Nigeria
By UDO ONYEKA
The Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) consisting of the
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce,
Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium
Enterprises (NASME); Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); and Nigerian
Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) has condemned the violence, looting, and burning of properties and destruction of infrastructure across the country.
A statement signed by Hajia Saratu Iya Aliyu Chairperson,Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), said the peaceful protest by youths which was started by the #ENDSARS Group, about two weeks ago regrettably was hijacked by thugs, hoodlums and miscreants.
She said as members of the OPSN we are saddened by the scores of deaths across the country and commiserate with families of those who have died from these violent protests and looting by thugs, miscreants and hoodlums.
According to her the deaths are regrettable and they should not have occurred if the crisis had been handled properly from the onset.
She said “We must all therefore work to end the atmosphere of anarchy which is evolving and which we are witnessing. We are therefore calling on the Police, the National Civil Defense Corps and
other relevant security agencies to do all in their power to put an end to the crisis.
” The impact of the crisis on the economy have been devastating. Billions of Naira have been lost as a result of attacks on businesses; many are on the verge of losing their livelihoods. Properties,
factories and infrastructure across the nation have been destroyed with innocent citizens bearing
the brunt of the outcome”.
She said members of the OPSN, are shocked at the scale of criminality, destruction and looting
now being experienced. We are deeply saddened by this development especially after working assiduously with all stakeholders, on the most appropriate way to rebuild our economy which had been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
” Restoration of peace and security is now an immediate priority, without which local and foreign
investors will be deterred. The OPSN is ready to work with all stakeholders in the private sector,
government at all levels and other peace-loving Nigerians to restore peace and order. We also
” The Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) Calls for an end to Violence, and Looting across the Nation: Calls for Dialogue as way for Peace and Security and to save th economy and Nation all on the youths to join in this
assignment. This is not just for the
sake of the economy but forthe
survival of our nation, the security of lives and the safety of property.
” It is also to enable us create the
necessary environment for dialogue for strategic options to meet the legitimate demands of the youths for jobs andto open other economic and
entrepreneurialopportunities for them.
” Through frank dialogue and in an atmosphere of peace, let us all
therefore rise up to an historicduty
which is now beckoning on us. It is
our national duty to restore peace and
security, ensuresafety of lives and
properties; as well prevent the
collapse of our economy at this
juncture in thehistory of our nation.”, the statement said.
