The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has directed youths in the region to join the nationwide protest against bad governance, set to commence on August 1, 2024.
The council also urged security agents to exercise caution and avoid excessive force while monitoring the protest to maintain law and order.
Parallel Facts reports that frustrated Nigerians have scheduled a one-week protest, dubbed “One Week of Rage,” to voice their discontent over the hardship in the country.
However, the federal government has enlisted traditional rulers and religious leaders to persuade the youths against joining the protest.
In response to statements from the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, state governors, ministers, and other top government officials advising against staging any protest, the President of IYC, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, noted that from the colonial era to the present, Nigerians have protested to express their displeasure with bad governance.
The council said, “Dr Alaye Theophilus has on behalf of the Council called on the Youths of the Niger Delta, particularly those of Ijaw extraction to join the proposed nationwide protest billed for 1st August 2024.
“The hardship faced by the people of the Niger Delta particularly those at the hinterlands is becoming unbearable as a litre of fuel now sells for over N2,000; one pure water sells for N100 and other essential commodities have gone beyond the reach of the people.
“Sudden death has become a common occurrence in the rural area due to hunger and untold suffering.”
Alaye questioned why the current administration is opposing citizens’ decision to express their dissatisfaction over the ongoing hardship in the country.
The IYC president reminded that the APC government came to power in 2015 on the wave of protests against the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its failure to address rising insecurity, unemployment, and corruption.
Alaye emphasized that protesting is a universal right of citizens, allowing them to draw attention to the conduct, programs, and policies of those in authority and to push for adjustments that contribute to the overall development of the country.
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