The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, has cautioned organizers of the proposed protest against plunging the nation into chaos and unrest. He emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue and discussions to address the country's socio-economic challenges.
Ali, who spoke at the Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture 2024, acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but noted that most protests in Nigeria often turn violent. He cited the EndSars protest as an example, which started peacefully but ended in chaos.
The NAN MD expressed concern over open threats on social media to attack police stations and urged protesters to consider the international pressure on economies. He emphasized the need for critical thinking and dialogue, rather than resorting to violent protests.
Ali also discussed the challenges facing the media industry, including financial constraints and content theft. He encouraged media practitioners to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to address these challenges and adapt to the changing media landscape.