From Mustapha Saye, Kaduna
Calm pervades Kaduna on Tuesday as youth groups shunned earlier calls to stage another protest against hardship and alleged bad governance.
Triumph correspondent in Kaduna observed that people were seen attending to their normal businesses without fear or intimidation, while youth associations and students were moving to the stadium to celebrate Independence Day.
Although police and other security agents were deployed to strategic areas within the state capital, they were watching people’s movement and vehicular traffic as there was no untoward development at this report’s time.
Earlier, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups, representing both indigenes and non-indigenes residing in Kaduna State, kicked against the nationwide protests scheduled for October 1, 2024.
“We firmly distanced ourselves from these events and emphasize our commitment to constructive engagement rather than disruption,” the group said.
The group’s spokesman, Comrade Yusuf Lawal said at a press conference in Kaduna that October 1 should serve as a day of celebration, honouring the sacrifices and contributions of past heroes, “a day to reflect on our collective journey as a State and a Nation, not one marked by the destruction of government and private property or civil unrest.
”The importance of unity and respect for our shared history cannot be overstated. We recognize and appreciate the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for citizens, particularly through the establishment of skill acquisition centres slated to commence in December.
“These centres represent a significant opportunity for community development and economic empowerment. We urge the government to ensure that the selection process for these programmes is transparent and equitable, reflecting the diverse needs of our community while being free from any form of nepotism or favouritism,” he said.
