- Safiu Kehinde
The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence (AYPC) has accused human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, of exploiting national issues through his planned protest to advance his selfish and create disorder in the country.
This is coming under the heels the activist’s planned protest in demand for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The group, in a Press Conference held on Friday by its Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) zone, alleged that the planned protest, slated for Monday, was not a genuine democratic exercise.
Addressing journalists, the Arewa Youths group FCT coordinator, Ogah Okpanachi, said the organisation’s intelligence reveals that the protest is not about justice or democracy but a calculated plot to undermine the government and sow chaos across the nation.
Okpanachi reportedly labelled the demonstration a deliberate attempt to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and destabilise the country.
The group urged Nigerians to shun the protest as it recalled the 2020 EndSARS protest, which, according to them, resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and economic setbacks.
“We wish to draw the attention of all patriotic Nigerians to the planned protest being organised by Omoyele Sowore and his associates under the guise of demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“We categorically reject this call and urge every peace-loving Nigerian to shun and resist this misguided attempt to destabilise our beloved nation.
“As a nation governed by the rule of law, we have an independent judiciary that handles all matters, including that of Nnamdi Kanu.
“No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their hands or intimidate the courts through street demonstrations.
“Sowore and his cohorts are not fighting for democracy; they are exploiting national issues to advance their selfish agenda and create disorder.” The group’s coordinator said.
Okpanachi reaffirmed the group’s support of President Bola Tinubu, lauding his Renewed Hope Agenda which he claimed to be yielding results.
“The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence reaffirm our unflinching support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Under his visionary leadership, Nigeria is gradually regaining stability and confidence.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is yielding tangible results — from infrastructure development and security reforms to the revitalisation of the economy and empowerment of youths across the federation.” He said.
Okpanachi called for Nigerians’ support of the President while reiterating its warning against the planned protest
“Nigerians of good conscience must rise in defence of this progress and reject all divisive plots designed to distract or discredit the government.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians, particularly the youths, to stand on the side of peace, unity, and progress.
“Let us focus on building rather than breaking, on cooperation rather than confrontation. Nigeria’s greatness will not come through violence or protests, but through collective effort, dialogue, and support for our democratic institutions”, he said.