As the nationwide protest against bad governance and hunger was set to commence on August 1, 2024, significant setbacks have emerged from two key states.
In Gombe State, a coalition of fifteen Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has announced its withdrawal from the protest.
The coalition’s leader, Dr Habeeb Muhammad, stated that their decision was reached after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, individuals, and security agencies.
The communiqué issued by the coalition cited several reasons for their withdrawal.
Primary among these were concerns over the lack of clarity and the faceless leadership of the protest organisers at both state and national levels.
There were also fears that the protest could be hijacked.
Despite their withdrawal, the coalition has urged the government to address critical issues such as reversing the current petrol prices, reducing electricity tariffs, cutting the cost of governance, and enhancing public safety and security.
The fifteen organisations that have opted out include Gombe for Peace Forum, Women of Hope, Peace Justice for Youths of Nigeria (Gombe State Chapter), Life of Hope Foundation, Arewa Youths Movement (Gombe State), Youths Assembly of Nigeria, Join Hand Cooperative, Hikima Foundation, Rashida Multipurpose Society, Sen. Leet, PDP Youths, Tabra Youths Forum, Jewel Youths Forum, North Youths Forum, and Women Initiative for Good Governance. The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy and dialogue as the preferred means to address citizen grievances.
In Jigawa State, the Youth and Civil Society Coalition for Development (YCSD), comprising about 50 civil society organisations and youth associations, has also withdrawn from the protest.
Comrade Aminu Aminu, the National Chairman of YCSD, announced the decision following an executive meeting in Dutse, Jigawa’s capital.
He cited concerns about the protest’s potential to be hijacked by hoodlums and the risks of looting and property destruction.
Aminu emphasised that while the coalition recognises the current hardships faced by Nigerians, they believe that the protest would not provide a solution.
Instead, he urged Nigerian youth to engage in constructive dialogue with government agencies and stakeholders to address their concerns.
He also appealed to the government to expedite the implementation of policies and strategies aimed at resolving the ongoing challenges.
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