By Olu Benjamin
Youths in Karu local government area of Nasarawa state have pledged not to participate in the nationwide protests slated for August 1 to 10 organized by social media activists.
Mr Samuel Mami, Karu Youth leader stated this at a press briefing held in the area on Saturday.
Our reporter reports that the youth leader and his entourage were joined by religious leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in the area.
The protests tagged “Ten Days of Rage” is aimed at putting pressure on government to address hunger, bad governance and more broadly high costs of living in the country.
In his remarks, Mami said the decision not to join the nationwide protests was a collective one, preferring to support any peace initiative and constructive dialogue aimed at finding solutions to issues triggering the protests.
“Protests can certainly serve as a powerful tool for bringing attention to pressing issues. However we have seen firsthand how they can also lead to unrests and disruptions.
“History has shown us that protests can sometimes escalate into violence which not only undermines the message we aim to convey but can also lead to severe consequences for the participants and the community,” he said.
He said youths in the area firmly believed that engaging in agitated demonstrations contradicts their values and aspirations hence the decision not to be part of the nationwide protests.
“I know the pain and frustration we are all going through as the prices of essential goods and services continue to soar making it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.
“While the right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, we have witnessed time and again how such demonstrations quickly descend into chaos and violence, ultimately achieving the opposite of what we seek.
“In conclusion we the youths of Karu local government area choose not to engage in the upcoming national protests as an expression of our commitment to peace and constructive engagement.
“We genuinely believe our voices will be heard through respectful conversations, community initiatives and collaborative efforts,” he added.
Also speaking, Rev. Joshua Dakulu, Chairman of CAN, Karu LGA chapter who also urged the residents of the area to distance themselves from the upcoming protests added that the painful outcome of the ENDSARS protests in 2020 was still fresh in the memories of well meaning Nigerians.
“Therefore on behalf of CAN, I make an appeal call to christian citizens and our Muslim brothers and sisters in Karu not to participate in the concerted protest.
“Instead let’s retreat to more prayers for the government that has made several efforts to curb the situation in the country,” he said.
Alhaji Atiku Gurku, Secretary, JNI, Karu LGA chapter also said Muslims in the area were not in support of the upcoming protests because Islam does not permit faithfuls to go on rampage or go against constituted authority except through dialogue.
“Rather we are appealing to the government that despite our stand not to participate in the protests, they should come to the aid of our masses,” he added.
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