SOKAPU Condemns, Disassociates from Planned National Protest
From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) has condemned and disassociated itself from the planned national protest in August, criticizing the motives behind it.
During a press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Kaduna, SOKAPU President Mr. Tabara Kato explained that a well-intentioned protest cannot originate from those who previously claimed that “religion, ethnicity, and tribe forbid protests against leaders.”
Kato further stated, “Only fools embark on a journey with an unpredictable destination. It is more reasonable and meaningful to remain where we are and manage what we know in order to get what we need. For now, at least there is respite on insecurity with hope for improvement.”
He emphasized that both federal and state governments are operating policies of inclusiveness, marking a clear departure from past administrations. Kato urged Nigerians to be patient and give the present governments time to succeed, noting that the economic issues did not start with the current administration.
“Since every government aims to be successful, the federal government under President Tinubu and Kaduna state under Uba Sani are no exceptions. They need time with our support to succeed in office. For now, let it be known that SOKAPU is standing with the government at both levels in contrast to participating in any protest in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and the diaspora,” Kato concluded.
In a related development, the concerned Civil Society Organizations in Kaduna State, under the aegis of the Coalition of Cooperative Societies, have also withdrawn from the planned national protest.
Speaking at a press conference in Arewa House Kaduna, the group’s chairman, Comrade Kamaludeen Kabir, stated, “We want to use this medium to express our withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th, 2024.”
Comrade Kamaludeen clarified that the withdrawal is not because they are satisfied with government policies but due to the ambiguous mission behind the protest and the leadership’s refusal to clarify it.
“We wish to state clearly that we shall plan a better protest with a clear mission at a better time if the government fails to address our concerns. We also appeal to the president to listen to the nation’s plight and handle issues of insecurity, hardship, and fuel price hikes with seriousness,” he added.
He further highlighted other concerns, including the hike in electricity tariffs, tertiary institution tuition fees, and the increase in commercial bank interest rates.
