Tinubu, Target of October 1 Protest, Youth Groups Say
By Wisdom Tide
September 20, 2024
Youth Groups Distance Themselves from Planned Protest
On Thursday, key leaders representing over 60 youth organizations assured the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) that their members would not participate in the planned nationwide protest scheduled for October 1. The groups expressed concerns that the demonstration, which is being organized by certain agitated youth and civil society movements, is designed to embarrass President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Commitment to Peaceful Engagement
Led by the President of the Nigeria Youth Organization, Duke Alamboye, the delegation met with Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, in Abuja. During the courtesy visit, Alamboye assured that the organizations would work together to prevent Nigerians from being misled into participating in what they described as an "ill-advised protest."
Alamboye emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue, encouraging youth to seek constructive channels of communication with the government to express their concerns rather than resorting to protests that could disrupt national peace and stability.
Press Conference and Summit Planned to Promote Dialogue
In a statement made during the visit, the youth groups revealed their plans to hold a world press conference on September 23 to sensitize the Nigerian youth on the importance of rejecting the October 1 protest. The groups are advocating for dialogue as a more effective means of reconciliation and addressing grievances.
“We are aware of the agitation calling for a nationwide protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government on October 1, 2024," said the group. "As youth leaders and advocates for national peace and development, we are committed to encouraging dialogue over protest."
The youth organizations also announced plans to organize a summit on October 1 as a follow-up to the press conference, where they hope to engage all stakeholders in shaping a more productive path for Nigerian youth.
Youth Groups Represented
The delegation included representatives from various influential youth bodies, such as the National Youth Congress, Arewa Youth Council, Yoruba Youth Council, Ohaneze Youth Council, South-South Advocate, Niger Delta Coalition, Nigeria Nexus, and the Youth Parliament of Nigeria. Other organizations included the 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.
PAP Administrator Commends Youth Leaders
Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, commended the youth leaders for their decision to distance themselves from the planned protest. He described President Bola Tinubu as a youth-friendly leader who has appointed several young Nigerians to serve in his administration.
Otuaro urged the youth not to allow themselves to be manipulated into engaging in unpatriotic activities under the guise of protest. He stressed that the President's people-centered reforms, policies, and programs require time to yield visible results.
"Mr. President means well for the country. It is heartening to see that Nigerian youth stand with the President, who has only been in office for a little over a year," Otuaro said. "As young people, we should organize ourselves and present our grievances through constructive dialogue rather than protest."
Conclusion
The assurances given by the youth groups demonstrate a commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Nigeria. With plans for a world press conference and summit aimed at promoting dialogue, these organizations hope to steer the youth away from any form of unrest, instead fostering collaboration with the government for national advancement
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