Student organizations and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Enugu State have chosen to withdraw from planned hunger protests. This decision underscores their commitment to peaceful dialogue and stability.
The student body, represented by Comrade Prisca Okeke, Chairperson of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Enugu, emphasized a strategic approach rooted in their principles of Consultation, Consolidation, and Confrontation. “We must consult and consolidate on our consultations before we confront,” Okeke stated. This approach aims to foster a constructive dialogue to address national issues without resorting to street protests.
Similarly, the Enugu State chapter of the NYCN has opted out of the protests, advocating for peaceful discussions instead. NYCN Chairperson, Comrade Bartholomew Ebuka Okoh, conveyed this decision following a four-hour meeting with over 50 youth organizations. The meeting, themed “The Role of Students in Nation Building and National Stability,” highlighted the urgency of addressing economic hardships while maintaining peace.
Both the student body and the youth council have urged the Federal Government (FG) to take immediate steps to alleviate the high cost of living and improve the welfare of students and the academic community. They stressed the importance of avoiding the disruptions seen during past civil unrest, such as the EndSARS protests, which had devastating consequences.
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Recognizing the right to protest, Okeke pointed out the societal disruptions that can arise from violent demonstrations. She recalled the lessons learned from the EndSARS protests, which resulted in loss of life, economic decline, and social fragmentation. In alignment with the national body of NANS, which recently held a peaceful march in the FCT, Enugu State students have resolved to pursue alternative means to address pressing issues.
The NYCN, through its communiqué, expressed a preference for dialogue over protests, citing the risks of escalation. “The youth of Enugu State have chosen a path of dialogue and engagement with both the State and Federal Government,” Okoh read to reporters. This decision, he noted, prioritizes constructive conversations to address the pressing issues affecting the youth and broader community.
The communiqué urged the FG to urgently implement policies that positively impact citizens’ lives, including measures to reduce inflation, ensure affordable essential goods, enhance security, create jobs, and improve education and healthcare. They also called for increased youth involvement in governance.
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