A group under the aegis of Ogun Youths Assembly (OYA) have affirmed that the planned protest on August 1st is an exercise of the fundamental rights of all youths who choose to take part.
Speaking at a press conference held in Abeokuta today, the group said they would not in anyway tell any well meaning Nigerians not to go on a peaceful protest if they deem it fit that’s the best way to address current situation of the country.
The OYA Chairman, Bar. Habib Whyte equally revealed that the group have taken a step above protest, therefore called for engagement with the State government under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun.
According to him “We have taken a step above protest, we have come out with engagement and the state Governor under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun has told us is meeting us very soon” and we will not be part of people that will be in the street for protest because our own has gone above protest because we have called for dialogue and we are ready for dialogue.”
“currently, the average Nigerian is enduring unprecedented hardship characterised by severely diminished purchasing power, lack of basic amenities, and a shortened life expectancy. This crisis is closely linked to the nation’s economic state.”
“As a demographic grappling with a bleak future and uncertainty, it is only natural for the youths to seek avenues for expression and redress. It is unjust to suppress their right to protest when they are being battered by such dire conditions.”
“While acknowledging that the dire straits affecting Nigerians can largely be traced to the policies of the Federal Government, we affirm that accountability spans all levels of government, including local authorities.”
“Going forward, we want to emphatically announce that the era of lethargic local government is over. There will no longer be space for non-performing local government chairmen and ward councillors now that the nation has moved toward local government autonomy.”
“We recognise the inherent right of all Nigerians to peaceful protest, yet we are also acutely aware of the potential for such protests to devolve into destructive actions, especially during times of heightened emotional intensity. It is crucial to pursue dialogue even as we seek change through peaceful demonstration.”
“We held an engagement with the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON, on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024. We appreciate his willingness to engage further and encouraged by his commitment to continue these discussions. This dialogue is a positive step towards addressing the pressing issues faced by our youth.”
“In light of this, we challenged the Ogun State Government to convene a series of public engagements with the youths across all Senatorial districts. This proposed engagement, that the Governor has since accepted is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that future plans and stewardship are clearly communicated.”
“We emphasised to him that this period demands more than temporary measures or palliative solutions. It is essential to implement a comprehensive, sustainable framework that empowers citizens and residents to secure honest, safer and better livelihoods. ”
“Government action must focus on significantly reducing the exorbitant cost of petroleum, enhancing electricity supply, and fostering a conducive environment for business growth. Additionally, increasing grant opportunities for small and medium enterprises and promoting meritocracy in all operations are crucial.”
Also speaking, the group PRO, Olufemi Owoeye said every Nigerians have their rights to engage in peaceful protest.
His words “Without missing words, we have to say it categorically that every Nigerians have their rights to engage in peaceful protest”
“We as Ogun Youths Assembly, we will not in anyway tell anyone not to go on protest if they deem it fit that’s the best way to address current situation of the country, because saying otherwise, it’s just infringing them of fundamental human rights”
“So every Nigerian Youths that believe in protest have the right and we are not against it.”
“But we also understand that even after the protest, we have to engage government at all levels via dialogue” Owoeye concluded.
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