From Umar Dankano, Yola
The youths in Adamawa State have been urged to avoid participating in any unlawful gatherings aimed at serving selfish interests.
Comrade Ahmad Lawan, Senior Special Assistant on Peace and Security to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, issued the warning in a press release on Monday.
He advised the youth to ignore a call for a national protest, allegedly organized by an anonymous group, especially on the day of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary (Tuesday).
While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, Lawan stressed that any group planning such activities should first identify themselves and seek permission from the appropriate security agencies.
He cautioned that such protests could be hijacked by hoodlums intent on disrupting Governor Fintiri’s ongoing projects and policies.
Lawan also appealed to parents, guardians, and religious leaders to discourage their wards and followers from joining the planned protest by the unidentified organizers.
He highlighted Governor Fintiri’s contributions, including being the first governor in Northern Nigeria to implement the national minimum wage, as achievements that must not be undermined by unlawful actions.
In a related development, the Adamawa State Police Command held a meeting with key stakeholders ahead of the Independence Day celebration, warning against any violent protests.
Police spokesperson S.P. Suleiman Nguroje, in a statement, emphasized that protests organized by faceless groups could quickly escalate into violence.
“The planned nationwide protest poses a risk of being hijacked by miscreants. The Command, therefore, urges all citizens and residents to go about their lawful activities and avoid any actions that could result in harm to themselves or others,” the statement concluded.