Hardship: Arewa group kicks against protest, rallies support for FG

A group, the Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence has said the present government is working in the interest of Nigeria and should be supported instead of being protested against.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Chairman of the FCT Chapter of the group, Mr Mark Ogar said a protest could cause chaos and destabilize the economy of the nation.

“Today’s event is all about sensitization of Nigerians against the planned protest next week. We have come to realize the plans by some politically disgruntled elements to destabilize our economy, to cause chaos in FCT, hiding under the guise of a peaceful protest just like they did in Lagos during the EndSARS.”

“And we have noticed that this is the government that is on its feet to ameliorate our crisis and poverty. So we don’t think that it is thoughtful for any group or individual to come out against the government working in the interest of the people.”

Ogar advised Nigerians especially all sons and daughters of Arewa extraction to disassociate themselves from the planned nationwide protest, stressing that it was a plan to destabilize the nation and destroy infrastructures.

He explained that there were international economic challenges not peculiar to Nigeria, stressing that President Tinubu had continued to provide palliatives that would cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

“Without any form of pretence, yes Nigerians are experiencing some form of economic hardship but I want to bring to your notice categorically that this situation is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, there are international economic challenges.

“If you go to Switzerland, if you go to Paris and other economies in the Western world, they’re experiencing the same challenges. But what is important, we have a responsive government, a government that is aware of our plights, a government that has created a lot of palliatives. A lot of economic shock absorbers to cushion the effects of this economic hardship on Nigerians.”

He advised those calling for such protests to study the recent crisis in Kenya which led to the destruction of government infrastructure and avoid the protests.

Ogar pointed out that in the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister, Nyesom Wike had achieved unbeatable developmental strides and that such protest could jeopardize his positive agenda.

He emphasized that Nigerians were passing through a phase and that the cooperation of every citizen would help bring a turnaround in the nation’s socio-economic development.