At least 60,000 youths, represented by the Arewa Integrity Group for Good Governance in the North Central region, have opted out of the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.
The Federal Government has engaged with various youth organizations to persuade them to postpone the protests, allowing President Bola Tinubu’s administration additional time to implement its people-centric programs.
According to The PUNCH, in a statement issued from Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, on Friday, the leader of the group, Joseph Maiwada, explained that their decision to withdraw from the protest was motivated by a desire to give the Federal Government an opportunity to address the citizens’ concerns and maintain the region’s and nation’s peace.
Maiwada also cited the appeals from Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, a native of the North Central region, as a significant factor in their decision.
The statement included, “The Secretary to the Government of the Federation has appealed to notable youth groups and some pressure groups around the North Central zone of the country, and he has reassured us of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of the citizens.”
“We are willing to pacify our people to back down from the protest because the SGF has always stood with us and supported our cause.”
The group has mobilized its members to withdraw from the protest to foster continued peace and unity within the country.
Maiwada urged other protest organizers to reconsider their plans, noting that past protests have negatively impacted many citizens and their livelihoods.
“Instead of embarking on the protest, I urge the youths to support the efforts of the federal government to address the socio-economic challenges facing the country,” the statement concluded.
