We stand by our youths on bad governance protest – Northern elders 

From Umar Dankano, Yola

As the planned peaceful protest by Nigerian youths begins today, Thursday 1st August 2024.Some Northern stakeholders have expressed their backing for the end hunger and bad governance move.

In a press statement issued by the four
undersigned Northern elders and key stakeholders in this country including;
Prof. Usman Yusuf, Hajia Najatu  Muhammad,Mallam Salihu Lukman and
Dr. Umar Ardo indicated that their support is aim to address pressing issues that affects us all.

They regretted that, our nation has long been facing unprecedented challenges of insecurity, excruciating poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, diseases, high cost of living, all on account of bad governance and corruption in public offices.

They unanimously acknowledged that the primary purpose of any government is to secure life and property, and enhance the welfare of its citizens. Any regime that cannot guarantee these basic rights loses all legal and moral authority of being in power, and would naturally incur the wrath of citizens. It can therefore only remain in office more by default than by public consent.

“We call on our leaders and governments at all levels to be responsive and demonstrate commitment and respect for the freedom of all citizens to express themselves freely without any provocation as provided for in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended. We believe that together we can build a Nigeria that works for all its citizens, regardless of age, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

“This seems to be the state our dear country, Nigeria, is drifting towards. Over the years, successive governments at all levels, including the incumbent ones, fell short of delivering the requisite leadership. Consequently, Nigerians have been thrown into a state of social dislocation that has plunged citizens, especially the youths, into disillusionment, disappointment, frustration and hopelessness.

“We therefore wrote this special text to state our position concerning this resolve to protest and the attitude of the government to it.

“First, we want to affirm the  constitutionally protected right of all citizens to assemble and to protest. We also acknowledge that the cause for protest against the system is valid and justifiable. We wish to state clearly that we firmly stand by our youths in their resolve to exercise their right to protest.

“Second, we call on the federal government to be pragmatic in its approach to the resolution of the crisis if it hopes to amicably resolve  and mitigate the risks associated with mass protests. To this end we recommend that the government immediately takes the following steps:

“Engage in dialogue: Identify and directly engage with the youth leaders and protesters to understand and address their grievances. Outsourcing this responsibility to others, such as traditional, religious, labour, civil society leaders is not going to work. The use of state forces to intimidate, cajole and harass protesters can only further escalate an already volatile situation. We have recently seen that in the EndSARS protests. Engagement remains the best and most effective solution.

“Implement reforms: Sincerely address the demands of the protesters by implementing meaningful reforms, demonstrating goodwill and a commitment to change;

“Support youth empowerment: Invest in youth development programs, education, innovation, entrepreneurship initiatives and enhance economic development*: Implement policies that would enhance general economic development of the country;

“Improve governance: Enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance against personalized leadership, tackling corruption and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.

“Ensure security: Ensure that the state security forces respect the rights of protesters by allowing them access for peaceful assembly without interference, intimidation or harassment and protect them against any harm;

“Lead by example: The government and its leadership