NYSF Withdraws From Planned Protest
The National Youth Stakeholders Forum (NYSF) has cancelled its planned nationwide protest, citing concerns over potential political instability and a desire to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to address the country’s economic challenges.
The NYSF, which represents various political, social, and cultural youth groups in Nigeria, including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide (ONYCW), the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), and the Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW), among others, had initially planned the protest to draw attention to the government’s handling of the economy, particularly the fuel scarcity and high cost of living.
However, after careful consideration and consultation with stakeholders, the group decided to shelve the protest to avoid creating an environment that desperate politicians could exploit to undermine the country’s democracy.
Instead, the NYSF resolved to engage in dialogue with the government to address the nation’s economic woes, particularly the restoration of the country’s four refineries to full operational capacity to ensure fuel availability, affordability, and sustainability.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the group’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Chinazam Ike, stated that the decision to call off the protest was not taken lightly but was necessary to ensure the country’s political stability and economic growth.
He emphasized that the NYSF remains committed to holding the government accountable for its actions and will continue to advocate for the rights and interests of Nigerian youths.
Ike said, “We strongly agree with the spirit and letter of holding the government accountable, airing views, and expressing displeasure. However, we are averse to the weaponization of protests to initiate political instability.
“In fact, we have strong reasons to believe that the proposed protests would be exploited by politicians to create instability, and we have confidential information that suggests interference by politicians who seek to settle their scores.
“As young people who owe a responsibility to the present and future of our nation, we find it unpatriotic to provide an enabling environment for desperate politicians to foment instability. Instead, we are redirecting our protests to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has appealed to us to be careful not to undermine the nation that holds the promise of our bright future.
“In the greater interest of our nation, we announce our unanimous decision to declare the proposed protest an aberration and withdraw our participation.”
The planned protest had generated significant attention and concern among Nigerians, with some expressing support for the NYSF’s demands while others warned against the potential consequences of such a protest.
The government had also appealed to the group to reconsider its decision, citing the potential risks to national security and stability.