• Students Bodies, Youths Organisations, Others Address Media

• More Groups to Emerge Ahead of August

By Halimah Olamide

Apparently to stave off the massive protests being planned by some groups and individuals unhappy with the current economic hardships in the country, state governments are beginning to mobilise more youths organisations, students bodies and others to speak against the proposed protests.

The last few days have witnessed a good number of groups from different parts of the country speaking against the proposed protests.

NPO Reports learnt reliably that the strategy is one of those agreed upon by the states and the federal government to checkmate those who are bent on causing a nationwide protests over economic conditions and insecurity.

Findings by the NPO Reports reveal that chief executives of the states were advised to mobilise as many youths groups and students bodies as they can to address press conferences.

In some cases, governors or their representatives are expected to remind the youths of the greater hardship the country could be plunged into should any protests be hijacked by hoodlums.

Specifically, the governors or their representatives were encouraged to remind the youths of the impact of the 2020 ENDSARS protests which left some parts of the country badly devastated.

Already, some states have activated this strategy by encouraging different youths organisations to come together and address the public to distance themselves from the protests.

On Wednesday in Ogun state, a group said to be a coalition of youth organisations in the state met Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor, who recalled the destruction of lives and properties occasioned by the EndSARS protests across the country in 2020, said protests could only aggravate issues without necessarily finding solutions to them.

He said: “And yet again, there are calls for mass protests across the country, and the first thing that agitates one’s mind is, is that the way to present our case to government? Is that the way to constructively and objectively engage with government by advertising and planning mass protests? Is there something behind those who are calling for these protests? Is this another plan by those who have tried their luck and have lost? Is this their own way and shortcut to see how to frustrate the government?

“Young men and women, you have no other country than this country. Let me assure you that I have travelled far and wide. I am sure, like many of you, there is no country in the world where you can walk like your own, that country is Nigeria. There is no other place where nobody will accost you, and you would not challenge that person.

“You can not go to London and say do you know who I am and the people there will not look at you and say that you have an identity problem. But in Nigeria, you can look at somebody in the face and say “do you know who I am?”

“There is a Yoruba proverb that says ‘beheading is not the solution for an headache’. If there are issues, let us discuss them, let us find a way around them, let us manage and correct them. Let us not cut off the head or attempt to cut off the head because of a headache. That will amount to decapitation,” Abiodun advised.

He said Nigeria, like many countries across the world, was going through difficult time, hence the need for the youths to bring in their vibrancy, zeal, ingenuity, and technical know-how in solving the problems.

The governor acknowledged the maturity displayed by the youths in the State during the EndSARS protests.

“I want to remind you that there was EndSARS, when there were protests in different parts of the country, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and other parts where there were looting, burning and the likes. They were attacking anything attackable, but you, the youths of Ogun State said though we are angry and dissatisfied with the ways things are, we are not criminals, we are not looters, we will not participate in the protest, to that I say a big thank you.”

Speaking earlier, one of the youths, Motolani Oyediji, called for more youth inclusion in government, while the State Chairman, National Youth Council, Kolawole Soremi, called for the appointment of a Commissioner for Youth Development to handle youth related issues in the State and also regular interface between the youth and government to address issues that may cause misunderstanding.

In the same vein, some students of various tertiary institutions in Lagos State have distanced themselves from the planned national protests.

The students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Lagos, said rather than joining the planned national protest, they would embark on a “Solidarity Walk” on the said dates to support and encourage the government of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who they said has been of great support to them.

Speaking to journalists during a press conference at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja, after a joint meeting, student leaders across tertiary institutions in Lagos State said their solidarity walk would also be held from August 1 to 10 to drum for peace, especially to ensure that the ugly incident of #EndSARS” of 2020 does not repeat itself.

The Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos axis, Comrade Lekan Alimi, who addressed journalists on behalf of the students of various tertiary institutions in Lagos State, described the planned nationwide protests against hardship in the country as “absolutely uncalled for.”

Comrade Alimi, flanked by the President of the National Association of Lagos State Students, Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi; Chairman, National Association of University Students (Lagos Chapter), Comrade Miracle Yemoh; Assistant General Secretary (South-West), National Association of Polytechnic Students, Comrade Zainab Yakub; Chairman, National Female Students Association of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), Comrade Titilayo Ekindayo; and Presidents of the Students Union of tertiary institutions in the State, said rather than joining the protest, students would prefer constructive dialogue with governments in achieving collective goals.

While noting that the trying times in the country would soon fade out, Akoni appealed to Nigerians to persevere a little more to enjoy the dividends of democracy of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said, “In these trying times, it is crucial that we remember the importance of stability, peace, and constructive dialogue in achieving our collective goals. Given these significant contributions and the progress we have witnessed, we strongly state that we are not in support of any protest against the government in Lagos. We understand the frustrations and challenges faced by many, but we must also recognise the advancements and opportunities that have been provided to cushion the economic effect on the nation, and we hope other states can emulate the Lagos State Government.

“We cannot afford to let the destructive events of the past, such as the EndSARS protests, repeat themselves. Our priority is to defend and preserve the peace and prosperity of Lagos. We urge all students to channel their energies into constructive dialogue and positive action, such as volunteering for community development projects, participating in student-government initiatives, and engaging in academic and extracurricular activities that promote excellence.

“We believe that with time, patience, and continued collaboration with the government, we will see further improvements and solutions to the issues we face. Let us stand together in unity and purpose, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to a better future for all.

“As a demonstration of our support for the Lagos State Government and our commitment to peace and stability, we announce our intention to hold a Solidarity Walk in support of the government. We plan to hold this walk from the 1st to the 10th of August, 2024, coinciding with the proposed dates of a planned protest by some unknown individuals. We will not let the voices of discord and destruction drown out our message of unity and progress.

“We invite all students, youth organizations, and well-meaning citizens to join us on this walk as we show our appreciation for the government’s efforts and our commitment to a brighter future for Lagos. Together, we can make a difference!”

Alimi, while declaring students’ support for Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, expressed their readiness to protect Lagos from another #EndSARS saga in the name of protest being proposed by some elements in the country.

He said: “After extensive deliberations, we have come in unison and in one voice to say ‘Thank You Lagos’ for being prompt and responsive to many needs of the people through the THEMES+ agenda. It is also important to note that the Governor has maintained open lines of communication with student leaders, as evidenced by the recent parley with Mr. Governor. This ongoing engagement highlights a genuine interest in addressing our concerns and finding solutions that benefit us all.

“The Lagos State Government has prioritised education in its agenda, leading to the establishment of new schools, namely: Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto-Ijanikin with a campus in Epe; Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu; and proper and prompt funding of all existing ones with upgrades in their infrastructures; and the introduction of innovative teaching methods. These investments are empowering our young people with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

“Let me also acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the Governor of Lagos State, who has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the student constituency. From the increment of bursaries and scholarships to the generous donation of buses to all tertiary institutions in Lagos, including the NANS Aluta bus, the Governor has shown that he values and supports the growth and development of students in our state.

“Additionally, the employment and job opportunities extended to some student leaders across the state are a testament to his dedication to our future. The recent appointment of student leaders to key positions in the Lagos State government, such as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Tertiary Education, Secondary and Basic Education, and Vocational and Technical Board, demonstrates his willingness and commitment to involve students in the decision-making process of the state.

“Also, in Secondary and Basic Education, N1,571,076,000 was approved as registration fees and other sundry costs for 58,188 SS3 students writing the West Africa School Certificate Examination; 18,912 Mobile Learning Devices were distributed to SS2 students across the six education districts in the state. Scholarships and bursaries for students of Lagos State origin in tertiary institutions have been significantly increased.”

Also speaking, Chairman, National Female Students Association of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), Comrade Titilayo Ekundayo, said female students in Lagos State will shun any form of protest. “Lagos has been in peace and will continue to be in peace. We students are saying no to protest in Lagos State. We appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu for giving opportunities to women in the state, and we female students will shun any form of protest.”

The President of the National Association of Lagos State Students, Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi, said Governor Sanwo-Olu has done a lot in Lagos State; therefore, there is no basis to embark on a national protest in the State.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu has tried his best to ease hardship on students across Lagos State. We are not in support of any protest. This is our state, and we don’t have anywhere to go if #EndSARS happens again. We are saying no to protest in my state,” he said

On Monday, a group Patriotic Students and Stakeholders Forum (PSSF) distanced itself from the proposed protest against the nation’s service chiefs, describing it as an agenda of “disgruntled politicians”.

Its concern is the inclusion of insecurity as one of the reasons for the proposed nationwide protests.

PSSF made the disclosure at a press conference on Wednesday. It alleged that plans were already on ground to storm the streets of the federal capital territory and Lagos on Thursday.

In a statement signed by Tunde Badmus, its convener, PSSF said some persons benefiting from the Boko Haram crisis before the advent of the present administration want to ensure that the gains made so far are reversed.

These students, according to PSSF, have been mandated to use hardened criminals, cultists, and ex-convicts to ensure that the police will not be able to stop their planned rally.

Earlier on Tuesday, different Northern groups said they would not take part in the protests.

Some of the groups include the Coalition of Northern Youth Leaders’ Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Jigawa branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Students Union, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Coalition of Concerned Northern Youth and Students amongst others.

The Coalition of Northern Youth Leaders’ Forum, represented by National President Comrade Murtala Garba and National Secretary Comrade Dogo Shagari, announced their dissociation from the protest. They cited concerns about the potential for the protest to be hijacked and cause chaos.

About six days to the protest, NPO Reports gathered that more states are expected to encourage youth groups to come out to dissociate themselves from the protests.

The Amnesty International had on Tuesday said it was wrong for the government to stop Nigerians from protesting saying it is their rights.

NPO Reports that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun had on Tuesday also warned that the police would not sit back to watch destruction of public infrastructure in the guise of a protest.