The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called on youths from the Niger Delta to participate in a planned peaceful protest against bad governance, set to begin on August 1. Dr. Alaye Theophilus, President of the IYC Worldwide, issued this call in a statement shared with Vanguard.
Dr. Theophilus responded to recent statements from the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, state governors, ministers, and other top government officials advising Nigerians against protesting. He pointed out that Nigerians have historically protested against bad governance, from the colonial era to the present day, and questioned why the current administration is opposing citizens’ rights to express their dissatisfaction with the ongoing hardships in the country.
He reminded the public of how the APC government came to power in 2015 by protesting against the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led federal government for its failure to address rising insecurity, unemployment, and corruption. According to Dr. Theophilus, protesting is a universal right for citizens to draw the attention of authorities to their actions, programs, and policies and ensure they are in line with the country’s overall development.
“The hardship faced by the people of the Niger Delta, particularly those in the hinterlands, is becoming unbearable. A litre of fuel now sells for over N2,000, a sachet of pure water costs N100, and other essential commodities have become unaffordable for the people. Sudden deaths due to hunger and suffering have become common in rural areas,” he stated.
Dr. Theophilus urged security agents to be cautious in their approach and to avoid being overzealous and brutal while monitoring the protest, to ensure law and order are maintained.
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Please we must #ENDBADGOVERNANCEINNNIGERIA
No time!