Ahead of the nationwide protest, the Zamfara Indigenes Enlightenment Forum (ZIEF) and National Youth Council of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Communities Development Associations (CONAECDA) have disclosed that its members have withdrawn from participating in the protest, saying it lacked coordination and clear goals.
Addressing newsmen on Saturday in Gusau the state capital, the spokesperson of the ZIEF Mallam Tanimu said in the last few weeks some Nigerians have been advocating for peaceful protests as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with government economic policies such as the removal of petroleum subsidies, an increase in electricity tariffs, and the interest rate, among others.
“The outcomes of these policies have resulted in high costs of living, devaluation of the naira, unemployment, and the impoverishment of the majority of Nigerians. Consequently, a nationwide protest is scheduled to take place on August 1, 2024.
“It is important to note that Zamfara Indigenes Enlightenment Forum (ZIEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing socio-cultural, economic and political issues in Zamfara State. It draws its membership from academia, professional bodies, youth organizations, students unions, and civil society organizations among others.
“The Forum has admitted that the high cost of living has caused untold hardship to many Nigerians which majority could not afford medical bills, rent, school fees for their children, or three meals a day.
“The rights to peaceful assembly and association are fundamental in any democratic society. Constitutionally, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the right of Nigerians to assemble and peacefully protest is practically exercised and not restricted by unreasonable restrictions. Section 40 of Nigeria’s constitution (1999, as amended) provides that every person shall be entitled to free assembly, associate with other persons, and protest peacefully.
“However, after exhaustive deliberation and consultation on the planned nationwide protest with various stakeholders such as youth and women groups, traditional rulers, business communities, community leaders, and tribal leaders, among others, the Zamfara Indigenes Enlightenment Forum (ZIEF) has decided to withdraw from the upcoming national protest for the overall interest of Zamfara State.”
According to the forum, the decision to withdraw from the nationwide protest was further informed by Lacked of Structure and Organization,”It lacked the necessary structure and organizational framework required to ensure a coordinated, peaceful protest.
“Its leadership concerns which is the absence of a cohesive and accountable leadership body raises significant questions about the protest’s direction and management. Effective leadership is crucial for maintaining order and addressing any issues that may arise during the protest. The current lack of visible leadership and clarity of purpose poses a serious risk to the success and safety of the people, particularly in Zamfara State.
“Zamfara Indigenes Enlightenment Forum (ZIEF) has observed that the absence of well-defined goals can lead to confusion and disorganization among the protesters.
“The forum in Zamfara State has made significant strides in recent times towards achieving peace and stability. Given the sensitive nature of the situation in the state, participating in the protest could jeopardise these hard-won gains and disrupt the ongoing peace-building efforts. It is imperative to prioritise the safety and well-being of our communities during this delicate period.
“The Zamfara Indigenes Enlightenment Forum (ZIEF) remains committed to advocating for positive change and social justice, but we believe that these goals must be pursued through well-organized, peaceful, and structured means.”
On their part, the CONAECDA in a communique issued at the end of its meeting, signed by its National Coordinator, Peter Abin Bahu and three others observed that there is a fear that such s protest in some states might snowball into a religious crisis based on the past year experiences.
It also observed that some groups and individuals affected by the ban on motorcycle commercial riders, and the destruction of makeshift shops and temporary markets by some state governments are determined to use the protest to take revenge.
The youth group stated that the implications and expected outcomes of the protest may include the lockdown of the economy for a ten-day period, which will have an unquantifiable economic impact adding that there is a high risk and possibility of violence and the destruction of lives and properties.
It further averred that since it is not part of the initiators of the protest and has not been contacted to be a part of these protest by the organisers, the youth council and its member organisations will therefore not participate in the protest.
It pointed out that those behind the protest have no recognizable organisation but are trying to use unorganized activists and some organized bodies to achieve their objectives and enjoined community leaders and civil society leaders who have organized bodies and institutions not allow themselves to be used to achieve destructive objectives.
The youth council called on the youths to organise themselves and use diplomatic means of engaging with the government on issues bothering them adding that various youth organisations should engage the government, while governments should also identify the various youth organisations and engage them in discussions.
It, however, posited that since Nigerians have expressed their frustrations and pain from the policies of the government and its impact on them, the government should respond to the public outcry in practical and realistic ways.
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