The planned nationwide protest over the state of the nation is beginning to face hitches as some groups have pulled out from the protest, while others have distanced themselves from it.
Recall that Nigerians, under various bodies, are planning a nationwide protest between August 1 and 10 against the rising cost of living and the economic hardship in the country.
The Coalition of Northern Youth Leaders’ Forum, represented by National President Comrade Murtala Garba and National Secretary Comrade Dogo Shagari, announced their dissociation from the protest. They cited concerns about the potential for the protest to be hijacked and cause chaos.
Similarly, the Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has withdrawn its support, urging Nigerian youths and student bodies to allow President Bola Tinubu more time to implement his economic reforms.
NEYGA noted that current challenges stem from the previous administration and emphasized the importance of national unity.
The Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore also distanced itself from the protest, praising President Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, which they believe will help reduce farmers-herders conflicts.
The Jigawa branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Students Union, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have also disassociated themselves from the protest.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described the protest as ill-timed and counterproductive. ACF’s National Chairman, Mamman Osuman, after a visit to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, stated that the protest is not in the best interest of the North or the country.
The Coalition of Concerned Northern Youth and Students also announced their withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest saying they don’t know the identity of the protest organizers.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has warned Nigerians to refrain from participating in the planned protests.
Speaking in Abuja at the National Council of Traditional Rulers meeting, Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, cautioned against allowing economic hardship to be exploited by individuals with ulterior motives to incite protests.
“Capitalising on the economic hardship in the country, some men and women with sinister motives have been reported to have been mobilising citizens, particularly youths, to stage a protest.
“Let’s learn from India and Sudan’s experiences. We are a country with more than 200 million people.
“Therefore, we can’t afford to have this kind of situation,’’ he said.
