By Olu Benjamin
Mr Auwalu Adamu, Chairman of Kokona local government area has commended residents of the area for choosing not to join the August 1 nationwide hunger protest.
Adamu gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Kokona LGA of Nasarawa state on Friday.
Adamu credited the will of God for the feat and assured that his administration will continue to prioritize education of the people on peace building and the need for them to opt for dialogue over protests if government policies do not favour them.
“We as leaders have a responsibility to summon and educate our people especially our youths and whoever has plan to protest on the dangers of protests and the advantages of constructive dialogue.
“That’s what we did and God blessed our efforts by giving our people a listening ear,” he said.
He thanked Governor Abdullahi Sule for been proactive on the issue and calling all local government chairmen, traditional, community and religious leaders on the need to preach peace and encourage people in their communities to opt for dialogue.
“I thank God for his efforts. I came back after the meeting with the governor and had a meeting with our various stakeholders in the area few days back including heads of security in the area.
“We agreed that after educating the people especially the youths, then we appeal to them that the protest should not take place in Kokona.
“We told them that they should not give an avenue for strangers to use them in the name of protests. Thank God they listened and agreed with us,” he said.
The Kokona LGA Chairman added that he went further by going to meet youths from various tribes in their various locations in the area to appeal to them to be patient, law abiding and make sure there is no protest in the area.
“We thank Almighty God for the success we achieved so far. It is not our wisdom but the will of God. Up till now we are still urging our people especially our youths to stay away from protest,” he said.
….END.