Youth leaders commend Tinubu’s reforms, urge talk on protest

A group, operating under the aegis of the Forum of National Youth Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria has urged Nigerian youths to deploy the approach of dialogue with the Federal Government in seeking their demands.

The group observed that some crucial policies introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently showed that he has the interests of Nigerians at heart.

It therefore called for peace, adding that it was germane to growth, progress and prosperity.

It said this in a statement signed and issued in Abakaliki by its National Chairman, Comrade Onyebuchi Chukwu; Vice Chairman, Hon Hauwa Yusuf; and Secretary, Abdulrahman Mohammed; among others, a copy of which obtained by South-East PUNCH on Monday.

The statement read, “The Forum of National Youth Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria, under its new leadership and chairman, Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, has been observing with keen interest the current state of our nation and the growing calls for protests from various quarters. We stand at a critical juncture where the voices of our youth and the broader Nigerian populace are both vital and vibrant.

“First and foremost, we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commendable efforts in prioritising youth-related issues. The introduction of the Student Loan initiative, the establishment of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, and the recent launch of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund are significant strides towards empowering our youth and securing a brighter future for Nigeria. These initiatives, if genuinely pursued will go a long way in addressing some of the pressing challenges faced by our young population.”

The forum appealed to the President to work assiduously towards youth empowerment, which according to it, was capable of alleviating the hardship faced by Nigerians.

It added, “We urge President Tinubu to continue on the path of empowering the youths, to listen with empathy, and to take decisive actions that will alleviate the ongoing hardships faced by Nigerians. The journey to recovery and prosperity is arduous; but with steadfast leadership and genuine concern for the people, we can surmount these challenges.

“To our fellow young Nigerians, we understand your frustrations and the urgency of your demands. Your voices are powerful, and your concerns are legitimate. As we continue the #EndBadGovernance protest, we implore you to exercise your rights with a sense of responsibility and peace. Let us channel our collective energy towards constructive dialogue and lawful expression.

“We must also remember the devastating consequences of the #EndSARS protest, which was tragically hijacked by unscrupulous elements, leading to widespread ruin and suffering. We must learn from these past experiences and seek better avenues for dialogue. We can organize ourselves under a vibrant and united leadership to engage with the Federal Government constructively.”

The forum also called on the government to heed the cries of the people and act swiftly in addressing their grievances. It added, “Simultaneously, we call on our youth to remain calm, peaceful, and united in our quest for a better nation.”