The Abubakar Bukola Saraki National Solidarity Group of Nigeria, South West zone, has declared that it would not participate in the August 1-10 nationwide protest.
The group made its position known in a statement jointly signed by the group’s zonal coordinator, Akinola Rahman; general secretary, Mrs Bola Afolabi; public relations officer, Dasola Lawal and women leader, Mrs Mojisola Ajibade after the group’s zonal meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The group hinged its decision on the fear that hoodlums and criminal elements might hijack the planned protest, thus creating opportunity to cause chaos and violence, capable of disrupting socioeconomic activities across the country.
It added that there was also the imperative for well meaning citizens to support the cause of peace and tranquility in the nation.
The statement reads: “We want to notify the public that Abubakar Bukola Saraki National Solidarity Group of Nigeria, South West zone has backed out of the proposed nationwide protest slated for August 1 to 10 due to some cogent reasons.
“Having envisaged the possible negative consequences of the protest which can precipitate chaos and anarchy, it is incumbent on our part to pull out in the interest of peace and development of Nigeria. We cannot be party to any activity that will jeorpardise or threaten the sovereignty of the country.
“The protest may further aggravate the hardship being faced by the citizenry as hoodlums and criminal elements in the society may take advantage of the chaotic situation to loot properties and destroy public infrastructures built by the government through the taxpayers’ money.”
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