…Caution Against Potential Chaos
Following a town hall meeting in Enugu, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Enugu State chapter, has withdrawn from the planned protests against the country’s hardships scheduled for August 1 to 10. They expressed concerns that the protests could lead to chaos and loss of lives and property, reminiscent of the chaos experienced during the EndSARS protests.
The student body emphasized that their decision aligns with their guiding principles of Consultation, Consolidation, and Confrontation, stating, “we must consult and consolidate on our consultations before we confront.”
Similarly, the Enugu State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has resolved not to participate in the protests, advocating instead for peaceful dialogue and urging youths across the state to refrain from participating in demonstrations that could threaten state and national stability.
Presenting their joint communiqué after a four-hour meeting on Sunday, Chairperson of NANS, Comrade Prisca Okeke, highlighted that the event, themed “The Role of Students in Nation Building and National Stability,” aimed to address the declining economic conditions and increasing hardships across the nation. While they acknowledge the urgency of the situation, Okeke asserted that the current context does not support street protests.
They urged the Federal Government (FG) to take immediate action to alleviate the high cost of living and enhance welfare for students, faculty, and the academic community.
“While we recognize the right to protest, we are acutely aware of the societal disruptions that can emerge when protests escalate into violence and unrest. The lessons learned from past civil strife, such as the EndSARS protests, highlight the devastating consequences, including loss of life, widespread displacement, economic decline, and a breakdown of social cohesion.
“In line with the National Body of NANS, which has called for a peaceful resolution demonstrated through a recent peaceful march in FCT, the Enugu State Students, following this town hall engagement, unanimously resolved not to participate in the upcoming nationwide protests.
“Our student leaders are deeply empathetic to the hardship faced by Nigerians and the widespread discontent. However, in the interest of preserving peace and avoiding a repeat of the EndSARS experience, we advocate for alternative means to address these pressing issues.
“We urge the FG to urgently implement policies that positively impact citizens’ lives, including measures to reduce inflation and make essential goods more affordable.”
In a similar vein, the Enugu State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria released a communiqué endorsed by over 50 youth organizations, read to reporters by NYCN Chairperson Comrade Bartholomew Ebuka Okoh. They expressed a preference for dialogue over protest, citing risks of potential escalation.
“The youth of Enugu State, under the aegis of the NYCN, have chosen a path of dialogue and engagement with both the State and Federal Government, rather than participating in the national protests planned for August 1st to 10.
“This significant decision prioritizes constructive conversations as a means to address the pressing issues affecting both the youth and the broader community.
“While we recognize and respect the right to protest, the youth of Enugu firmly believe that dialogue serves the best interests of the State and the nation as a whole. This approach aims to prevent the economic disruptions witnessed during the EndSARS protests, which had far-reaching effects.
“In light of this, we strongly urge the FG to promptly address pressing issues such as security, job creation, affordable food prices, improvements in education and healthcare, reduction of fuel prices, and increased youth involvement in governance, among other critical demands,” they stated.
