In just three days to the planned nationwide protest against bad governance, the Arewa Citizens Action For Good Leadership (ACAGL) along with 23 other groups that have been part of mobilization for the protest have declared intention to withdraw from the protest.
Addressing a press conference in Kano on Monday, the group led by the Spokesman of the Kano chapter of the ACAGL Saeed Sulaiman, stated that they are withdrawing due to the potential risks, vulnerabilities and consequences of participating in the protest.
He explained that the decision is bourn out of the desire to prioritize the peace and stability of Kano state in particular and the northern region in general.
“We have witnessed the devastating effects of protests in some countries, where initially peaceful demonstrations escalated into violent conflicts, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and long term instability.
“Notwithstanding our withdrawal, we emphasize that Nigerians are suffering from insecurity, hunger,
and starvation.
“The economic situation in the country has worsened, leaving many without access to basic necessities” he stated.
However, the group further emphasized that Nigerians are indeed suffering from insecurity, hunger and starvation, for which they call on the Nigerian government to rise up to the occasion and proffer solutions to them.
They stated some demands they are seeking the Nigerian government to tackle that include tackling insecurity, especially the banditry in the North West as well as the renewed Boko Haram attacks.
Reactivate the Nigerian refineries and reverse the prices of petroleum products to reasonable and affordable rates as well as reduce electricity tariffs and also indefinitely suspend any increment.
They finally called on the government to also refrain from foreign loans that mortgage the future of Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Furthermore, we align ourselves with the position of all individuals, associations or groups that call for caution and restraint in the face of the planned protest.
“We believe that the timing of the protest is not in the best interest of the nation and may only serve to exacerbate the existing challenges.
We at ACAGLcall onall Nigerians to chalenge government policies, actions and decisions that affect them in a constructive manner as it is part of their civic engagement but should desist from actions
capable of destroying the relative peace we are enjoying.
“We must prioritize the peace and stability of our Kano, North and work towards building a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come, devoid of violence” the spokesman