The Northern Youth Leaders Forum, which represents 42 northern youth organisations, has decided that its members will not take part in the planned nationwide protest against hunger and poor government.
Elliot Afiyo, the forum’s National President, announced this in a statement released to journalists on Sunday.
The #EndBadGovernance demonstration will take place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory from August 1 to 10, in response to the country’s economic suffering.
However, the forum claimed that the planned protest aims to undermine Nigeria, particularly the northern region and Abuja, by destroying government facilities such as schools, hospitals, and railways.
What they’re saying
Afiyo stated, “While acknowledging that protests are legal and constitutional ways of expressing citizens’ dissatisfaction with the government, it should be noted that the timing, method, capacity, environment, and necessity of such protests must be considered before they are carried out.”
“In light of these elements, we would want to clarify and uncover the harmful signals, timelines, methods, planned activities, and operational rules used by the demonstration organisers.
“Although the NYLF was willing and prepared to fully engage by mobilising Northern youth, after obtaining intelligence reports and briefings, the NYLF has chosen not only to withdraw from the protests, but also to prevent them from taking place at all.
“We want to make it obvious that the majority of these protest organisers are unaware of the plans because a minority is working with foreign organisations and governments to carry out an international plot against Nigeria.
“We strongly urge the Federal Government and all security agencies to ensure that no more than ten people are permitted to gather in any part of the country between August 1 and 10, 2024, with the exception of religious gatherings.” Even so, there should be thorough screening and checks.
“We want to state clearly that the Northern youth will hold the government and security agencies responsible and regard them as potential collaborators in destroying our country and our future.”
Bottom Line
While acknowledging the legal and constitutional right to protest, the NYLF emphasizes the need for careful consideration of the timing, method, and potential impact of such actions. This points to the balance between exercising democratic rights and maintaining public.
