Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has said the planned nationwide protest is not in the interest of development, national peace and political stability.

Mr Eno, who made the statement while speaking to journalists in Uyo, urged the sponsors of the protest to seek more peaceful options.

He said that though it was the right of the citizenry to protest, organisers of such events must be conscious of the potential risks.

He stated, “It is true that protest is the right of the people, but we appeal to our people to give peace a chance. We should all work together to promote national peace, unity, sustainable development and stability. We have no other country. We must be united in tackling the prevailing economic hardship in the country, we shouldn’t indulge in any act that will worsen the situation.’’

The governor warned that the planned protest could lead to destruction of lives and property, and worsen the economic situation.

Mr Eno urged Nigerians to remember the destruction that resulted from the #EndSARS protest after it was hijacked by hoodlums.

“Any protest can be hijacked by hoodlums, and there are usually negative consequences because those who see nothing good about the government will use it to destroy public assets,” he said.

He said that governments at all levels were working hard to implement policies that would give lasting solutions to the hardship in the country.

(NAN)