The Enugu Innovative Youth Group has firmly declared its decision to abstain from participating in any “destructive protests,” despite the escalating hunger and economic hardships facing Nigeria.
In a press conference held in Enugu on Friday, the group, representing all 17 local government areas of Enugu State, emphasized its dedication to preserving peace and stability within the state.
The group’s publicity secretary, Jude Aniagu, acknowledged the severe national crisis, marked by widespread hunger, financial struggles, and a high debt ratio. However, he highlighted the significant progress being made in Enugu State under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.
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While recognizing the legitimacy of the proposed nationwide hunger protest scheduled for August 1–10, 2024, Aniagu urged his peers to reconsider their participation. He cited the positive developments and a “breath of fresh air” in Enugu State as reasons to refrain from the protest.
“We are not oblivious to the possibility of the proposed Nationwide Hunger Protest being hijacked by perpetrators of evil and hoodlums. Hence, the youths in Enugu State must withdraw and distance themselves from the destruction of our common heritage,” Aniagu stated.
He continued, “Enugu State is our own and one of the most peaceful and productive states of the federation. We cannot relapse into a state of anarchy and infrastructural deficit, which the nationwide protest will bring. Enugu youths must resist any attempt to destroy or deface the aesthetics, beauty, and ambience of Enugu under Gov. Mbah’s excellent and stellar performance in the state.”
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The group expressed concern over the potential loss of lives among Enugu youths if the protest were to be hijacked by hoodlums with ulterior motives aimed at inciting violence. They called for both federal and state governments to engage with Enugu youths in dialogue to address the issues of unemployment and poverty.
“While we call for calm among our youths in the state, we are also calling on the Federal Government and the State Government under Gov. Mbah to engage Enugu youths in dialogue on the best way to close the gap in unemployment ratio and poverty headcount index ratio in the state, especially among the youths,” Aniagu urged.
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The group also acknowledged the Enugu State Government’s plans for job creation through strategic programs and training in information technology and entrepreneurship development. “We must not lose our lives to this protest but must strive to be beneficiaries of this lofty vision,” the statement read.
In conclusion, the Enugu Innovative Youth Group called for calm and peace, stressing that any protest in Enugu would jeopardize the state’s progress and undermine the efforts of Governor Mbah’s administration to revive Enugu through substantial infrastructural projects.