A political group known as Youth for Good Governance and Sustainable Development (YGG-5D) has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to refrain from participating in the nationwide protest scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024. The group’s coordinator, Muhammed Kabir Abubakar, expressed concerns that the protest could lead to significant disruptions and losses for the FCT community.
In a press briefing held on Wednesday morning, Abubakar criticized the protest organizers, whom he described as faceless individuals seeking to exploit the youth for their own agendas. He warned that their motives might result in a breach of law and order, ultimately harming the residents of the FCT.
“We have called this press conference to address the planned nationwide protest and its potential impact on the FCT,” Abubakar stated. “Our members, who are predominantly natives and residents of this city, have examined the situation and concluded that participating in the protest would be counterproductive. The protests are orchestrated by unknown parties with intentions that may not align with the best interests of our community.”
Abubakar highlighted that, despite the challenges faced by FCT residents, the group advocates for dialogue rather than demonstrations. “Rather than taking to the streets, we believe in engaging with the government through established channels. We have already presented our concerns to the authorities, including those in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). We are beginning to see responses and administrative solutions to some of our issues.”
He also pointed out recent positive developments, such as the creation of the Mandate Secretariat for Youth Development, which was recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “This initiative is a step towards addressing some of our immediate concerns. We are optimistic that further actions will follow, and our youth will benefit from the ongoing efforts.”
The YGG-5D leader emphasized the group’s decision not to participate in the protest and urged fellow youths to reconsider their plans. “Our focus should be on constructive dialogue and collaboration with the government. We cannot afford to have our city, which is also the seat of power, suffer due to disruptions caused by external forces.”
Abubakar also reflected on the lessons learned from the EndSARS protests, where many residents had to accommodate displaced individuals. “The experience taught us valuable lessons about the impact of protests on our communities. We must remember that Abuja is our home, and we should not allow external elements to jeopardize its stability.”
Abubakar called on all stakeholders to prioritize peace and constructive engagement over confrontation. “We are committed to preserving the integrity of our city and ensuring that our collective efforts contribute to meaningful progress and development.”