Kebbi youths opt out of planned nationwide protest

A coalition of youth groups in Kebbi State has opted out of the planned August 1 nationwide protests against alleged maladministration and general poverty in the country.

The group, rather than supporting the protest, staged a peaceful protest in support of government.

The youth announced their withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, slated for August 1.

Speaking during a pro-government protest in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, the leader of the coalition, Mohammed Argungu, said Kebbi youth would not participate in the planned protest.

A statement by Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, indicated that the youths conveyed their position to Governor Nasir Idris and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, in Birni-Kebbi on Sunday.

“Kebbi is a peaceful state. We are living in peace with one another; as such, we don’t want to open doors for chaos in our dear state.

“We need to be patient and give this administration time to tackle the problem.

“Therefore, we want to categorically make it clear that we, a coalition of Kebbi Youth organisations, exempt ourselves from the planned nationwide protest,” he declared.

Upon receiving the protesters, Governor Idris and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, appreciated the youths for taking what they described as a bold step towards sustaining the prevailing peace in the state.

According to them, the actions of the youths will create a platform for dialogue towards proferring solutions to the present economic hardship.

They encouraged the youths to always embrace dialogue in any disagreement instead of confrontation.