Enugu youth group pulls out of nationwide protest

Enugu Innovative Youth Group chooses not to participate in counterproductive protests, seeks constructive engagement on Nigeria’s economic issues.

In a press conference held in Enugu on Friday, the group, spanning all 17 local government areas of Enugu State, emphasized its resolve to promote peace and stability in the region.

Despite Nigeria’s struggles with hunger, financial struggles, and debt, Jude Aniagu, Publicity Secretary of the group, praised the progress Enugu State has made under Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership, citing notable achievements.

Although the group recognises the justification for the proposed Nationwide Hunger Protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, they urge their peers to reconsider participating in the protest, citing the positive developments and “breath of fresh air” in Enugu State.

“We are not oblivious to the possibility of the proposed Nationwide Hunger Protest being hijacked by perpetrators of evil and hoodlums. Hence, the youths in Enugu State must withdraw and distance themselves from the destruction of our common heritage.

“Enugu State is our own and one of the most peaceful and productive states of the federation. We cannot relapse into a state of anarchy and infrastructural deficit, which the nationwide protest will bring.

“Enugu youths must resist any attempt to destroy or deface the aesthetics, beauty, and ambience of Enugu under Gov. Mbah’s excellent and stellar performance in the state.”

The group expressed concern that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums seeking to exploit the situation for their own nefarious purposes, leading to potential harm or loss of life among Enugu’s young people, and therefore decided against proceeding with the protest to protect the safety and well-being of the state’s youths.

“While we call for calm among our youths in the state, we are also calling on the Federal Government and the State Government under Gov. Mbah to engage Enugu youths in dialogue on the best way to close the gap in unemployment ratio and poverty headcount index ratio in the state, especially among the youths.

“We are also aware that the Enugu State Government has plans for job creation for the youths through his proposal of strategic programmes and training in Information Technology and Entrepreneurship development.

“We must not lose our lives to this protest but must strive to be beneficiaries of this lofty vision.

“We are aware that any protest in Enugu will destroy our common heritage which Governor Mbah is assiduously working to revive through his massive infrastructural projects in our dear state, hence, a call for calm and peace,” the statement partly read.