Several Civil Society Groups in Kogi State, operating under the banner of Concerned Civil Society Organizations, have issued a call to Nigerians, especially the youth of Kogi State, to abstain from participating in the planned nationwide protests in Nigeria set for August 1, 2024.
During a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists press center in Lokoja on Thursday, the leader of the group, Salihu Abubakar Onimisi, expressed the group’s concerns and reasons for their advisory.
He emphasized the importance of caution to prevent the potential hijacking of the protests, which could lead to the destruction of lives and property, as seen during the End SARS protests.
Onimisi highlighted that the Concerned Civil Society Organizations in Kogi State represent a coalition of over thirty youth groups, women organizations, artisans, and civil society groups.
He acknowledged that while it is every citizen’s right to protest, it is crucial to consider the risks and consequences involved.
“We have tried to identify those behind the protest but have found no clear leadership or group organizing it. We cannot be led by unknown entities. Additionally, it is important to consider whether the current government is entirely to blame for the ongoing hardships. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been in office for only one year, one month, and twenty-four days. It is fair to give him more time to address and rectify the issues,” Onimisi stated.
He further added, “It is undeniable that Nigeria’s economy is struggling and undergoing a difficult restoration process. However, protests are not the immediate solution. Instead, we should continue to engage the government constructively on issues of concern.”
Addressing the youth of Kogi State, Onimisi warned, “Nigeria cannot afford a complete halt in its economic activities due to these planned protests. The country might not recover from such disruptions. We have seen how citizen riots have devastated countries like Sudan, Libya, and Yemen. We must avoid similar outcomes and agitate in a way that does not exacerbate the suffering of our people.”
The group also used the opportunity to call on the government to urgently address several pressing issues that have caused significant hardship.
They urged the government to tackle the rising inflation rate, which has increased from 22.8% in 2023 to 34.2% in June 2024, and to put an end to insecurity in Nigeria. They also called for measures to ensure food security by protecting farmlands.
Other critical issues raised by the group included the need to reverse the hike in tuition fees for students in higher institutions, reduce electricity tariffs, revitalize the country’s refineries to optimal production levels, and lower the cost of governance at all levels.
They emphasized that addressing these issues would help return Nigeria to a path of progress and prosperity.
The group also praised the efforts of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who they believe has demonstrated the political will to lead Kogi State towards significant development.
They called on other state governors to invest more in production and security, particularly in agriculture, to help strengthen the economy.
