August 1: Coalition of youth groups withdraw from planned protest in Adamawa

A coalition of 24 youth groups in Adamawa State has announced its withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest.

The Coalition, Adamawa Activists Unite, said the groups have resolved to opt out of the protest because it is unclear who the national leaders of the protest are and because the government has responded and has promised to address the salient issues.

The coalition which addressed a news briefing in Yola Friday afternoon, also expressed fear that the protest might degenerate into chaos.

Convener of the coalition, Ahmed Aliyu, who read out the text of the briefing, stressed that the group’s perceived lack of clear leadership, “specifically absence of identified national protest leaders, and direction of the planned protest.”

Aliyu added, “The protest is withdrawn due to safety concerns, potential hijacking and assurance from the authorities to address concerns and implement reforms.”

The groups, however, made some demands, including the implementation of effective measures for the safety and security of all citizens; the development and implementation of policies to alleviate poverty and promote economic prosperity, investment in the revitalisation of refineries to increase domestic production and reversal of electricity tariffs, among others.