Northern youth group backs October 1 protest

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), is mobilising Nigerians for a peaceful protest on October 1st, Independence Day.

The Director, Public Communications of the council, Hussaini Shuaibu, disclosed this in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Kaduna.

Shuaibu explained that sections 38-42 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee the rights of the citizens to free association, expression of views, and mobilisation.

These inalienable rights, Shuaibu said as captured by the founding fathers of Nigeria, were deliberately made to check the excesses of those who may be trusted with power to isolate themselves in ivory tow.

He, therefore, said in the exercise of the fundamental rights of citizens, NYCN was prepared and committed to ensuring that the government was held accountable to its people.

The director emphasised that the protests of Aug, 1-10, 2024 were an indicator of the level of displeasure that existed in the polity of the government and its policies.

Shuaibu recalled that in response to the demands made by the protesters, the government promised to address the issues raised.

He, however, lamented that two months later, the issues were still lingering and even more aggravated.

This, he said, was why the NYCN was compelled to act, knowing fully well that Northerners were worst impacted by the phenomena.

“As such, we are mobilising and sensitising the people to come out and continue to protest peacefully, the unbearable hardship until the government agrees to act responsibly and respond to the issues promptly and decisively.

“We are mobilising to ensure the fundamental right of the people is exercised in line with the mandate of the constitution which places the responsibility of citizen welfare and safety on the government.

“Since the government seemed overwhelmed by these responsibilities, it is our duty to prick their consciences and ensure we have a better Nigeria that we all can be proud of,” Shuaibu said.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

• Tinubu appoints Tegbe as China-Nigeria partnership czar

• 79th UNGA: Nigeria secures $600,000 relief fund from Gates foundation

• Tinubu won’t intervene in Dangote, NNPCL tiff over petrol — Presidency

• 5 worshippers die, others hospitalised after eating ‘ipese’ in Ibadan church

• Obasanjo sacked me as Oyo gov, not Adedibu, Alao-Akala —Ladoja

• Oil theft: 8,000 illegal refineries, 5,800 connections destroyed since April — NNPCL