In a significant move, 407 ethnic nationality youth leaders from across Nigeria have called on citizens to avoid participating in planned protests.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the leaders expressed concern over the anonymous nature of the protest organizers and the potential dangers involved.
“We have observed the call for nationwide protests against bad governance over the past few weeks,” the leaders stated. “However, three days before the protest, the true organizers and their intentions remain unknown. It is risky to join such an unclear movement.”
The text of press conference was signed by key representatives from various youth councils, including Comrade Terry Obieh, President General of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders; Comrade Balarabe Rufai, President of the Northern Youth Council; Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq, President of the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide; Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide; Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal, President of the Middle-Belt Youth Council; and Comrade Hamisu Dass, President of the North-East Youth Assembly.
The leaders emphasized their dissociation from the planned protests, citing the current hardships faced by Nigerians but urging for constructive criticism and engagement through dialogue instead.
They revealed plan to present the collated views and resolutions from all 774 local governments to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strategic implementation.
“We are not part of the protest as we were not involved in its planning. Some individuals and politicians are weaponizing the pain and anguish caused by previous administrations for their selfish motives,” they said. “We are aware that hoodlums may hijack the process. As the apex youth organization in the country, we were excluded, while politicians abroad seek to manipulate hapless Nigerians.”
The youth leaders called on Nigerians to reject the proposed national protest and instead support their #NigeriaFirst National Dialogue Sensitisation Campaign. They warned of credible security threats that could lead to chaos, similar to the #EndSARS protests and recent events in Kenya.
“We stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, recognizing his efforts to address critical challenges such as local government autonomy, youth intervention funds, student loans, and infrastructural projects,” they said. “Despite the country’s challenges, we believe that protests are not the solution. We must keep faith with the government as it works to restore Nigeria’s fortunes.”
The leaders reaffirmed their confidence in Tinubu’s government and urged Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used for destructive purposes. “Anyone seeking to use the youth for riotous protests should look elsewhere; we will not be victims of such actions again,” they concluded.
