From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Coalition of Youth Leaders of Plateau Communities says it has chosen not to participate and has dissociated itself from the protests which it said may plunge the state into anarchy, chaos, and untold hardship.
“We are acutely aware of the repercussions of previous protests that led to the destruction of businesses and the livelihoods of individuals in the state. We must do everything possible to avoid a repeat of such an ugly incident,” they said.
Disclosing this by the Youths Leader Pololis Gyang of Rock Haven while briefing Newsmen at the NUJ Press Center Jos on Monday said, we in Plateau State wish to unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the anticipated protest due to the ambiguous and unclear circumstances surrounding it.
According to him, as responsible youth leaders within our respective communities, we are deeply committed to the welfare and well-being of our people. We pursue these objectives with a foundation of equity and reciprocity, aiming for the peace and development of our communities.
While recognizing the devastating impact of the current hardship, pain, and distress our people are enduring, adding that, many have lost their sources of livelihood, and some cannot even provide for themselves and their families.
“We empathize with the yearnings and aspirations of our dear people and express our unwavering commitment to finding constructive ways to alleviate their suffering and improve their living conditions,” he stressed.
He explained further that, we cannot feign ignorance or indifference to the motives behind those calling for the nationwide protest, and acknowledge the widespread hunger, hardship, and uncertainty regarding the state of our economy.
However, the suspicious manner in which the protest is being orchestrated raises significant concerns. he stated.
We believe that the right to protest is fundamental and inalienable, particularly in seeking better living conditions for our people. Nonetheless, we remain unconvinced by the motives of the organizers.
A protest of the proposed scale can’t be devoid of sponsors, just as it is inconceivable to have smoke without fire.
According to him, why have the sponsors of this protest remained hidden and unknown, and why have they failed to clearly articulate the motives behind the protest? These are pressing questions that demand answers.
The Youth Leader further stated that, as youth leaders in Plateau State, we have witnessed numerous tensions leading to the loss of lives and properties, arising from protests such as ENDSARS and others. Sadly, we continue to live with the devastating effects of such protests to this day.
Mr.Gyang stated that, however, they are aware of the ongoing recruitment of touts, cultists, students, and individuals of questionable character within their communities.
“We question why the shadow mobilizers for the protest are resorting to such measures if not to foment trouble and cause mayhem.”
According to him, we are convinced that a genuine hunger protest should organically attract people, not through the desperate antics and deliberate incitement we are currently witnessing.
Also, we are aware of plots to loot and destroy certain markets, businesses, and critical infrastructure within the state capital to create palpable tension, thereby actualizing the hidden motives of the sponsors.
They also call on their beloved Plateau youths to desist from joining a protest that undermines the relative peace we are currently enjoying in the state.
“We also urge our people to protect their communities from elements seeking to cause pandemonium to further their hidden agendas, which are contrary to the peace and stability of our dear state.
As a constructive approach to addressing the debilitating economic situation in the country, we are ready and determined to engage the government at all levels in finding lasting solutions to our problems. he stated.
Adding that through constructive dialogue, we are confident that we will achieve our desired goals. We are willing to meet with the government to make recommendations aimed at tackling the economic crisis in the country.
They also call on the Federal Government to urgently address the precarious economic hardships in the nation to improve the living conditions of citizens, and w lole resolve to pursue this in good conscience for the peace and progress of our state and the nation at large.
