By Gabriella Ogbu
The 36 state governors and the federal government have been urged to work together immediately to find a solution to the problem of out-of-school youth nationwide.
Additionally, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic policy, which is to blame for the current state of affairs in the nation, was to be abandoned in favor of economic policies that will benefit the majority of the population.
At a press conference on Tuesday at the Tafawa Balewa Tomb, Comrade Hasnim Pali, Secretary, and Com Bello Aminu, Coordinator, made the call on behalf of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in Bauchi State.
“Furthermore, we implore the government to act immediately to mitigate the suffering and hunger impacting our country,” the group continued.
“It is with heavy heart and as a matter of responsibility that Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) Bauchi State call on President Bola Tinubu to address the demands of the protesters who have taken to the streets in recent days,” the coalition said in reference to the ongoing nationwide protest against bad governance, which is being organized under the hashtag #EndBadGovernmentinNigeria.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to peaceful assembly, which these protestors are exercising. Their goal is to get the government to focus on the major issues that have made life intolerable for the average person. Nonetheless, we implore all demonstrators to accept communication and peace as a means of achieving their objectives.
“We urge the President to reconsider and clarify his position regarding his Sunday speech, which did not address the demonstrators’ main demand.
“Among the demands are the following: the termination of kidnapping, banditry, and Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria; and the exploration of crude oil at the Kolmani Oil Field, which has lain idle for the past eighteen months following a presidential inauguration of exploration activities at the site.
“Other demands include ending the subsidy scam, lowering the price of fuel to less than N300 per litter, stabilizing the foreign exchange market, reforming the EFCC, restoring affordable electricity tariffs for the general public, restoring tertiary education fees to their previous levels, and lowering the nation’s inflation rate.
“Reducing the gap in trust and maintaining constant communication with the demonstrators in order to have a constructive conversation and put an end to their actions. We recognize and accept everyone’s right to voice their complaints and work toward brighter futures, especially the younger generation. However, we implore all demonstrators to accept communication and peace as a means of achieving their objectives.
The coalition added, “We call on those involved to cease these activities immediately. We are deeply concerned that some protesters in some parts of the country were seen marching on the streets, waving Russian flags. Such actions are not only inappropriate but also a threat to our democracy. It is also a reasonable offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such.
It has been observed that the situation has gotten worse and that looting and mayhem have taken over the protests, which had initially been peaceful demonstrations.
“The protests were initially reported as peaceful, but they were later taken over and used for political purposes. As a result, mayhem was caused by hoodlums and minors, causing chaos and mayhem.
“This is not how constructive change is achieved. We urge all demonstrators to put an end to their actions and go home in peace. You may be confident that we have heard you.
The protest in Azare, the Katagum local government headquarters, has mostly been characterized by looting, violence, and damage to both public and private property. Nigerian democracy must be respected, and we must consider nonviolent protests that abide by the law to be examples of democracy in action.
But we vehemently denounce these events, which caused disruptions to the secretariat of the local government as well as other public and private properties, and we implore the government to see to it that those responsible are held accountable in order to discourage future offenders.
As a result of their actions, limited resources that were intended to support our hospital, schools, and other necessities will instead be used to fix the damage caused by the violent protest.
“My fellow citizens, please go back to your homes, carry on with your regular, lawful activities, and cooperate with us in legal ways until the matters discussed in this conference are resolved. I’ll say it again: there is hope for a better future.
