‘#EndBadGovernance’: Lagos youths pull out of planned protest, reason emerges

• Some youths in Lagos state have pulled out of the planned nationwide protest that will be held on August 1
• The youths under the umbrella of the Lagos Indigenous Youth Network hinged their decisions on the organizers' intent whose identities and intentions remain unknown
• At a press conference held on Sunday, youth leaders from the five divisions of the state gathered and voiced their concerns about the protest being hijacked by some elements during the demonstration

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Lagos indigenous youths, under the aegis of the Lagos Indigenous Youth Network (LIYN), have opposed the planned hunger protest slated for August 1 to 10, 2024.

Lagos youths shun hunger protest. Photo credit: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mobolaji Ogunlende
Source: Facebook

Lagos youths take decision on planned protest

The youths noted that they are unwilling to witness a repeat of the #EndSARS destruction in the state.

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As reported by The Punch on Monday, July 29, the youth leaders from the five divisions of the state gathered at the statue of the three Wise Men in Ikeja, the state capital, to express their concerns.

Protest: "Organisers are anonymous," Lagos youths alleges

The aggrieved youths asserted that the protest appears to have political motivations rather than genuine concern for the public interest.

Speaking on behalf of the group, a leader in the LIYN, Mobolaji Ogunlende, highlighted that intelligence reports suggest that the protest is politically driven.

He further emphasised that the protest does not align with the interests of peace-loving and hardworking Lagosians, BusinessDay reported.

“We are not against citizens constructively engaging their leaders when necessary.“However, when such engagement turns into a platform for tension and warmongering, potentially aimed at settling political scores, it is time to exercise caution. This is what we are doing today,” Ogunlende said.“We do not support it. We say no to any protest in whatever guise or disguise. We are coming together to defend #OurLagos against any possible destruction by agents of violence masquerading as supporters of the people. Their only interest is their selfish interest,” Ogunlende added.

Read more about planned nationwide protest:

• Tinubu’s minister issues fresh directive to students joining protest
• Hunger protest: 400 youth leaders launch new campaigns
• Nationwide protest: Senate President Akpabio summons emergency meeting

"You've right to protest": Presidency tells Nigerians

In a related development, Legit.ng reported that on Sunday, July 28, the Presidency affirmed that Nigerians have the right to engage in peaceful protests.

It also emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to serving the people rather than exerting dominance over them.

Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, addressed these issues during an interview on TVC’s "Politics on Sunday with Femi Akande."

Source: Legit.ng