Youth groups: We won’t participate in planned October 1 nationwide protest

Over 60 youth organisations under the auspices of Nigeria Youth Organisation say their members will not be involved in the planned October 1 protest.

Duke Alamboye, president of Nigeria Youth Organisation, communicated the youth groups’ position when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), in Abuja on Thursday.

The youth bodies represented include the National Youth Congress, Arewa Youth Council, Yoruba Youth Council, Ohaneze Youth Council, South-South Advocate, Niger Delta Coalition, the Nigeria Nexus, Youth Parliament of Nigeria, Green Africa Youth Initiative, Youth Foundation for Non-Violence in Nigeria, Niger Delta Youth Parliament, National Association of Nigerian Students, and Youth Empowerment for Peace and Security, among others.

Alamboye said they would work together with a network of other groups to ensure that Nigerian youths are not misled into taking part in the protest.

He urged the youths to embrace constructive dialogue and explore available channels of engagement with the government to express their views instead of disrupting the peace and stability of the nation.

“Concerning the state of the nation, we are not unaware of the agitation from certain quarters calling for a nationwide protest on October 1, 2024. It is a protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government,” Alamboye said.

“As youth leaders and lovers of peace and national advancement, the Nigeria Youth Organization would like to inform you of our plan and intention to hold a world press conference on the 23rd of September, 2024, geared towards sensitizing the average Nigerian youth on the need to shun the planned protest.

“We want people to seek dialogue as a better reconciliation tool for venting their grievances. We also hope to organise a summit on October 1st, 2024, as a follow-up to the world press conference. We anticipate that all well-meaning stakeholders will play vital roles in charting a better cause for our youths.”

Also in attendance at the courtesy visit were Henry Okonkwo of the Ohaneze Youth Council, Tobi Bakare (Yoruba Youth Council), Ifon Daniel (Niger Delta Youth Parliament), and Nasir Lawal (Arewa Youth Council), among others.

In his response, the PAP administrator praised the youth leaders for their stance and advised them not to allow themselves to be manipulated into “unpatriotic activities in the name of protest”.

He said the president needs more time for his reforms, policies, and programmes to manifest.

“Mr. President means well for the country. It is reassuring to know that Nigerian youths are with Mr President, who has been in office for a little over a year,” Otuaro said.

“As youths, we should organise ourselves and present our grievances and concerns through constructive dialogues. Nobody should manipulate you to achieve their ulterior goals.

“Most of those championing the so-called protest are only seeking attention and they thrive under the guise of anti-government protests to get attention. Youths should be watchful.”