Shelve Planned Nationwide Protest, Ex-militant Group Tells Youths

The National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators (NCNDE-A) has called on Nigerians to shelve plans for a nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the group’s president, Eshanakpe Israel Akpodoro, urged citizens to support the government instead of embarking on a protest that could escalate into violence and destabilise the country.

Akpodoro acknowledged the current economic hardships but attributed them to the government’s austerity measures to reform the economy.

He highlighted various initiatives implemented by the government to cushion the effects of the harsh economy, including the recent disbursement of N438 billion to states for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-Cares) program.

“What we are saying here is that there are enough grounds for the people to support this government and not embark on a protest that may escalate and pull down our nation,” Akpodoro said.

The group dissociated itself from the planned protest, describing it as an attempt by “faceless individuals and subversive elements to incite violence and carnage.”

Akpodoro accused opposition elements of being behind the protest, fearing President Tinubu’s achievements would make it difficult for them to win the 2027 general election.

He cautioned that politically motivated protests, stating that they would only lead to anarchy and civil strife.

On the shout for hunger, he said, “There has always been hunger in our land, and societies worldwide are segmented. This government, to the best of our objective understanding, is trying its best to perfect all imperfections in our body polity.

“Therefore, our support is germane to our country’s peace, growth, and development. There is nothing wrong with a peaceful demonstration and a lawful, legitimate protest. What is unacceptable is a deliberate attempt by a group of faceless individuals who are on the payroll of subversive elements to destabilise the country and incite people to violence and carnage.”

He said, “Nigeria is the only country we own, and we should do everything, including SAYING NO TO PROTEST. More attention should be paid to the federating units. At the same time, the FG does its best to facilitate and support the organised private sectors to buoy the economy and make it vibrant once again.”