The leadership of the Northern Youth Alliance for Good Governance (NYAG) announced it will no longer participate in the planned nationwide protest on August 1, opting instead for dialogue.
This decision was disclosed on Tuesday in a press statement signed by Mr. Abdullahi Usman, NYAG’s National Coordinator, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
Usman stated that NYAG had initially been involved in mobilizing Nigerians for the protest to draw government attention to the hardships faced by ordinary citizens. However, the group has decided to adopt a peaceful approach for the sake of national peace and socio-economic development.
“We want to inform the public that as a result of wide consultations between our members, we have decided to withdraw from any plans to go ahead with the protest. This is to safeguard our integrity and Nigeria’s national peace and security, which we believe are paramount,” Usman said.
NYAG called on all Nigerians to embrace dialogue, noting that political elements were planning to hijack the peaceful protest for their selfish agendas, potentially turning it into a riot that could worsen the situation in Nigeria.
“There are desperate people who may justify looting and destruction of public property and businesses. The NYAG shall not be part of any such egocentric and destructive agenda,” Usman added.
He urged fellow Nigerians to engage in dialogue and encouraged the government to involve stakeholders in robust discussions to alleviate ongoing hardships. Usman expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reforms and called for support from all well-meaning Nigerians.
“In the North, millions of our youth will return to agriculture once the security situation is brought under control. NYAG remains committed to the welfare and well-being of the Nigerian people and the peace and security of Nigeria at large. We urge against any violent protests as we support dialogue,” he concluded.
