The students community and a coalition of youth groups in Enugu State, yesterday, said they would not participate in the nationwide protest being organised by some unnamed persons against purported hardship in the country. In their separate meetings in Enugu, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Enugu State chapter and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and other youth bodies in the state expressed fear that the proposed August 1st -10th protest could result in chaos leading to loss of lives and property as witnessed during the EndSARS protests......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
They, rather, called for dialogue, stating that their decision was in line with longstanding principles of consultation, consolidation, and confrontation.
“We must consult and consolidate on our consultation before we confront,” NANS said.
Chairman of NANS in Enugu State, Comrade Prisca Okeke, presented a communique after their town hall, on the event’s theme: “The role of students in nation building and national stability,” was in response to the declining economic conditions and increasing hardship in the country.
She stated that the benefit of the nation’s recent history and prevailing circumstances did not favour a street protest at this time.
They charged the Federal Government, FG, to take immediate steps to address the challenges of high cost of living and poor welfare, among others, facing the students, staff, and academia.
“In alignment with the national body of NANS, which has called for a peaceful resolution and demonstrated this through a peaceful march in FCT, the Enugu State Students arising from this townhall engagements unanimously resolved not to participate in the proposed nationwide protests.
“The student leaders in Enugu State are deeply empathetic to the prevalent hardship in Nigeria and the outcry of Nigerian citizens. However, in the interest of preserving peace and preventing a repeat of the EndSARS experience, we advocate for alternative means of addressing these issues.
“We call on the FG to urgently address the widespread hardship by implementing policies that have a direct and positive impact on the lives of citizens. This includes measures to reduce inflation and make essential commodities more affordable.”
Similarly, in a communique presented by the Chairman of NYCN, Enugu State, Comrade Bartholomew Okoh, he said: “The youth of Enugu State, under the aegis of the NYCN, have chosen a path of dialogue and engagement with both the State and Federal Government, rather than participating in the national protests slated for August 1st to 10.
“This significant decision prioritises constructive conversations as a means to address the array of pressing issues that concern the youth and the broader community.
“While recognising and respecting the right to protest, the youths of Enugu firmly believe that dialogue is in the best interest of the State and country at large.”
This approach will help to avoid the economic disruptions witnessed during the EndSARS protests, which had far-reaching consequences.
“In light of the above, we strongly urge the FG to promptly address the following pressing issues, namely, security, job creation, affordable food prices, improvement in the quality of education and healthcare, reduction of fuel prices, youth involvement in governance, among other demands.”