Northern youths pull out of hunger protest

The Northern Youth Leaders Forum, an umbrella body of 42 northern youth organisations, has announced that its members will not participate in the planned nationwide protest against hunger and poor governance.

The National President of the forum, Elliot Afiyo, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday.

The protest, tagged #EndBadGovernance, is scheduled to take place in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory from August 1 to 10, over the rising economic hardship in the country.

However, the forum alleged that the planned protest aims to destabilise Nigeria, particularly the northern region and Abuja, through the massive destruction of government infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and railways.

Afiyo said, “While acknowledging that protests are legal and constitutional means of expressing citizens’ dissatisfaction with the government, it should be noted that the timing, method, capacity, environment, and necessity for such protests must be considered before they are carried out. In light of these factors, we would like to clarify and reveal the dangerous signals, schedules, strategies, planned activities, and operational guidelines by the promoters of these protests.

“Although the NYLF was willing and prepared to actively participate by mobilising Northern youth, after receiving intelligence reports and briefings, the NYLF has decided not only to withdraw from the protests but also to ensure that the protests do not occur at all.

“We want to make it clear that the majority of the promoters of these protests are not aware of the plans because a minority are collaborating with foreign organizations and governments to execute an international conspiracy against Nigeria.

“We strongly warn the Federal Government and all security agencies to ensure that no more than 10 people are allowed to gather in any part of the country between August 1 and 10, 2024, except for religious gatherings. Even then, there should be proper and diligent screening and checks.

“We want to state clearly that the Northern youth will hold the government and security agencies responsible and regard them as potential collaborators in destroying our country and our future.”