Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has encouraged Nigerians to embark on a protest to express their grievances over the hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

He stated that the only way politicians and leaders understand the gravity of the situation is through mass protests.

Speaking on the planned protest that is set to take place on August 5, 2024, across the country, Gumi stressed that it is important to engage in a peaceful demonstration, cautioning against the use of violence in their protest methods.

Sheikh Gumi noted that Nigerians have a unique diversity when it comes to protests compared to other African countries like Sudan, Lebanon, and Liberia.

The Islamic cleric believes that peaceful protest would convey the public's demand for good governance and development.

"Politicians are very stubborn, it is mass protests that only disturb them," he said.

"In Sudan and Liberia, the conflicts were like family feuds, which are very dangerous. But Nigeria is different, with diverse ethnicities, religions, cultures, tribes, and sects," he explained, noting internal tensions even within religious sects like the Izala in Nigeria.

"Protest is the only language the government understands," he asserted, urging authorities to heed the calls for reform and improvement.

"In 2015, Muhammadu Buhari and other top All Progressives Congress (APC) officials came out to protest that the previous government had spoiled Nigeria. Then, protest was legal but now it's illegal," he pointed out, lamenting the inconsistency in how protests are viewed and treated.

"God willing, the protest will proceed peacefully, and the government must understand and respond positively to the language of protest.”