NYCN Mobilizes Nigerians for Peaceful October 1st Protest, Citing Government Inaction

Kaduna, Nigeria(TheGavel) – The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) is calling on Nigerians to join a peaceful protest on October 1st, Independence Day, to demand government accountability and action on lingering socio-political issues. The protest is in response to the government’s failure to address key concerns raised during previous demonstrations.

Hussaini Shuaibu, the Director of Public Communications for NYCN, announced the protest in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, September 30th, 2024. Shuaibu emphasized that the protest is within the legal rights of Nigerians, referencing Sections 38-42 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee citizens the freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly.

“These inalienable rights, as captured by the founding fathers of Nigeria, were deliberately made to check the excesses of those who may be trusted with power,” Shuaibu explained. He highlighted the importance of such rights in ensuring that public office holders are held accountable to the people they serve, preventing them from becoming disconnected from the realities faced by the citizens.

The planned October 1st protest follows a series of nationwide demonstrations that took place between August 1st and 10th, 2024, during which citizens expressed their discontent with government policies and the growing economic hardship. The protests led to promises by the government to address the issues raised, but according to Shuaibu, these promises remain largely unfulfilled, with many problems becoming even more aggravated over time.

“Two months later, the issues are still lingering and even more aggravated,” Shuaibu stated, adding that this has left the NYCN with no choice but to continue its activism. He further noted that Northern Nigerians have been disproportionately affected by the challenges facing the country, which include rising insecurity, economic instability, and inadequate government response.

“As such, we are mobilizing and sensitizing the people to come out and continue to protest peacefully against the unbearable hardship until the government agrees to act responsibly and respond to the issues promptly and decisively,” Shuaibu said.

He stressed that the NYCN’s efforts are rooted in the mandate of the constitution, which places the welfare and safety of citizens squarely on the shoulders of the government. According to him, the failure of the government to fulfill these obligations has left civil society with the responsibility to push for change.

“Since the government seems overwhelmed by these responsibilities, it is our duty to prick their consciences and ensure we have a better Nigeria that we all can be proud of,” Shuaibu concluded.

The October 1st protest is expected to draw significant participation from citizens across the country who are eager to exercise their constitutional rights and demand that the government take meaningful steps toward addressing the economic and social challenges currently facing the nation. (NAN)

The post NYCN Mobilizes Nigerians for Peaceful October 1st Protest, Citing Government Inaction appeared first on Gavel International Ltd..