Frontline youth leaders under the auspices of over 60 youth organisations have declared their members will not participate in the rumoured national protest being planned by some persons and groups for October 1 against hardship in Nigeria.

The president of Nigeria Youth Organization, Duke Alamboye, made this known when he led a delegation of representatives of the groups on a courtesy visit to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, in Abuja on Thursday, September 19, 2014.

The youth bodies include the National Youth Congress, Arewa Youth Council, Yoruba Youth Council, Ohaneze Youth Council, South-South Advocate, Niger Delta Coalition, the Nigeria Nexus, Youth Parliament of Nigeria, 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, among others.

Alamboye said they would work together with a network of other youth groups to ensure that Nigerian youths were not misled into taking part in any protest against the government of President Bola Tinubu.

He said they would carry out a series of activities in the days ahead, including a world press conference and a youth summit, to sensitise Nigerians on the need to shun any demonstration in the country.

Alamboye urged youths to embrace constructive dialogue and explore available channels of engagement with the government to express their views instead of disrupting the peace and stability of the nation.

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He said: “Concerning the state of the nation, we are not unaware of the agitation from certain quarters calling for a nationwide protest on October 1, 2024. It is a protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

“As youth leaders and lovers of peace and national advancement, the Nigeria Youth Organization would like to inform you of our plan and intention to hold a world press conference on the 23rd of September, 2024, geared towards sensitising the average Nigerian youth on the need to shun the planned protest.

“We want people to seek dialogue as a better reconciliation tool for venting their grievances. We also hope to organise a summit on October 1st, 2024, as a follow-up to the world press conference. We anticipate that all well-meaning stakeholders will play vital roles in charting a better cause for our youths.”

The youth leader congratulated Otuaro on his appointment and commended Tinubu for “putting a square peg in a square hole through the appointment of Otuaro”.

Also speaking, Henry Okonkwo of the Ohaneze Youth Council, Tobi Bakare (Yoruba Youth Council), Ifon Daniel (Niger Delta Youth Parliament), and Nasir Lawal (Arewa Youth Council), among others, corroborated Alamboye and expressed support for the president.

Responding, the PAP Administrator commended the youth leaders for dissociating themselves from any planned protest, noting that Tinubu was a youth-friendly leader who had appointed several youths to serve in different capacities in his government.

Otuaro urged them not to allow themselves to be manipulated into unpatriotic activities in the name of protest, saying the president needs more time for the benefits of his reforms, policies, and programmes to manifest.

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While thanking the youth groups for their decision and support for Tinubu, he said: “Mr. President means well for the country. It is reassuring to know that Nigerian youths are with Mr President, who has been in office for a little over a year.

“As youths, we should organise ourselves and present our grievances and concerns through constructive dialogues.

“Nobody should manipulate you to achieve their ulterior goals. Most of those championing the so-called protest are only seeking attention and they thrive under the guise of anti-government protests to get attention. Youths should be watchful.”

The Star