A youth group under the aegis of Concerned Civil Society Organizations in Kogi State has distanced itself from the planned nationwide protests over the current economic hardship in the country.
Addressing a world press conference in Lokoja on Thursday, the Spokesperson of the group Salihu Abubakar Onimisi called on Nigerians, especially the youths of Kogi State not to take part in the ongoing call for national Protests.
Onimisi noted that caution must be put into consideration to avoid the planned protests being highjack hoodlums in the country.
According to him, “This could lead to destruction of both people and property as witnessed in the End SARS protest. We have enquired to identify those behind the protest. To date, no one nor group of persons has been identified to be calling for the protest and we can not be led by faceless individuals to protest.
” It is also important we consider and put into consideration whether the present government should be totally blamed for the current hardship.
” It is obvious and true that the economy of Nigeria is in a bad state and going through a process of restoration, the nation is passing through one of the hardest periods in history, however, protest is not the immediate solution to our problem, rather, we continue to engage the government constructively in areas we deem necessary.
“Fellow Kogi State Youth, Nigeria cannot afford a total halt in its economic activities due to these planned actions as the country may not be able to recover from the effects. Countries like Sudan, Libya and Yemen are completely destroyed to date as a result of the citizens’ rioting against their governments.
” Nigeria cannot afford such a situation, we must continue to agitate for the masses in such a manner that it will not add more suffering to what the country is already passing through”.
When calling on the government to tackle the rise in inflation rate, Onimisi also urged the present administration to put an end to insecurity in Nigeria.
“The government should also ensure adequate food security for Nigerians by securing our farmlands, reverse the tuition Fees of our students studying in higher Institutions, reverse the hike in electricity tariffs, revitalize our refineries to optimal production and
reduce the cost of Governance at all levels” he added.
Economic Hardship: Kogi youths distance themselves from planned nationwide protests
