Northern Youth Council Disassociates Self From ‘Take It Back’ Protest
The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has disassociated itself from the planned “Take It Back” national protest purportedly scheduled to hold on April 7.
A statement by Isah Abubakar, President of the NYCN on Sunday said it would not join such protest <span;>considering the fragile state of the country, particularly Northern Nigeria, and the potential of the protest to lead to further unrest.
It, therefore, urged those planning the protest “to prioritize peace and unity during these critical times while we urge Nigerian youth to explore alternative, non-violent means to express their concerns.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalating tensions across various regions and the current socio-political climate.
“As an organization committed to the empowerment and development of Nigerian youth, we understand the frustrations and aspirations of young Nigerians.
“However, we believe that, in the light of the current situation, the nation requires calm, dialogue, and patience rather than actions that could further destabilize the fragile peace we are working hard to uphold.”
The NYCN stressed that it recognised the legitimacy of the grievances that have led to calls for protest but emphasised that the peace and stability of the country should remain the highest priorities of every Nigerian.
“We urge our fellow young Nigerians to come together in solidarity, not through protests, but through peaceful and constructive engagements that foster lasting change.”
The council reflected over recent protests in the country, including the End Bad Governance protest which led to loss of lives and destruction of billions of Naira worth of properties after it was hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants.
“No one desires a repeat of such tragic events,” the NYCN added, and reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the voices of the youth are heard through peaceful and appropriate channels.
“It is crucial that we unite as one force to advocate for our rights and work together to build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.”
It therefore urged Nigerian youths to remain calm, avoid any form of violence, and continue engaging in peaceful and legitimate activities while allowing the government to address the pressing issues at hand.
