Benue NASS caucus hails youths for shunning protest, acknowledges Akume, Utsev efforts

The Benue National Assembly Caucus and Federal Appointees Forum, have applauded Benue youths for not participating in the nationwide protest against bad governance and hardship.

Recall that Nigerian youths had on Thursday, commenced a 10-day nationwide protest, to demand good governance, a cut in the price of petroleum products and the general cost of living.

The protest, which was meant to be peaceful, metamorphosed into violence in some parts of the country, with reported cases of killings, wanton destruction of property, looting and other criminal activities.

Benue State youths, however, outrightly rejected the protest, as economic and social activities were in top gear in Makurdi, Otukpo, Gboko, Katsina-Ala and other major towns in the state.

The Benue National Assembly Caucus and Federal Appointees Forum ascribed the youth’s non-participation in the protest to the good “leadership and guidance” provided by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev.

The statement signed on Friday morning by Philip Agbese, the Spokesperson of the Forum, also expressed the Forum’s confidence in the leadership qualities of the duo, expressing optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership would bring the progress and development Benue yearns for.

“We applaud their wisdom and maturity in avoiding the temptation to engage in destructive activities that could have led to the loss of lives and property. Their decision is a testament to the peaceful and law-abiding nature of the Benue people.

“We are proud of our youths for choosing the path of peace and stability. They have demonstrated that they are true ambassadors of the state and we urge them to continue on this path. Their actions have saved the state from the destruction and chaos that was witnessed in other states.

“The Benue youths have shown that they are committed to the development and progress of the state. We urge them to continue to work towards building a better future for themselves and the state.

“Regrettably, other states were not fortunate. Arson, violence, and destruction of property were witnessed, leaving a trail of devastation and loss of lives. We condemn these acts of violence and urge those responsible to seek peaceful means of resolving their grievances,” the statement read.