Plateau Youths distance self from protest, Police warns Mischief Makers

A group known as coalition of youth leaders of Plateau communities has dissociated her self from the plan nation-wide protest over hunger and bad governance in Nigeria.

The group made their stance known during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Plateau State Council Secretariat in Jos on Monday.

Reading the text of the press conference on behalf of the group, the Youth leader of Rock Haven, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Pololis Gyang said they were at the press centre to articulate their collective stand on the proposed nationwide protests by yet-to-be-fully-identified youth groups across the nation.

“We in Plateau State wish to unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the anticipated protest due to the ambiguous and unclear circumstances surrounding it.

“As responsible youth leaders within our respective communities, we are deeply committed to the welfare and well-being of our people. We pursue these objectives with a foundation of equity and reciprocity, aiming for the peace and development of our communities.

“We recognize the devastating impact of the current hardship, pain, and distress our people are enduring. Many have lost their sources of livelihood, and some cannot even provide for themselves and their families.” The statement added.

While empathizing with the yearnings and aspirations of the people, the youth leaders expressed their unwavering commitment to finding constructive ways to engage authorities concerned to alleviate their suffering and improve their living conditions.

“We acknowledge the widespread hunger, hardship, and uncertainty regarding the state of our economy. However, the suspicious manner in which the protest is being orchestrated raises significant concerns.

“We believe that the right to protest is fundamental and inalienable, particularly in seeking better living conditions for our people. Nonetheless, we remain unconvinced by the motives of the organizers.

“As youth leaders in Plateau State, we have witnessed numerous tensions leading to the loss of lives and properties, arising from protests such as ENDSARS and others. Sadly, we continue to live with the devastating effects of such protests to this day.

Consequently, we use this medium to call on our beloved Plateau youths to desist from joining a protest that undermines the relative peace we are currently enjoying in the state.

We also urge our people to protect their communities from elements seeking to cause pandemonium to further their hidden agendas, which are contrary to the peace and stability of our dear state.

As a constructive approach to addressing the debilitating economic situation in the country, we are ready and determined to engage the government at all levels in finding lasting solutions to our problems.

“We choose not to participate in protests that may plunge our state into anarchy, chaos, and untold hardship. We are acutely aware of the repercussions of previous protests that led to the destruction of businesses and the livelihoods of individuals in the state. We must do everything possible to avoid a repeat of such ugly incidents.

“Therefore, we call on the Federal Government to urgently address the precarious economic hardships in the nation to improve the living conditions of citizens. We resolve to pursue this in good conscience for the peace and progress of our state and the nation at large.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has issued a stern warning to those planning to take advantage of the protest to cause mayhem in the state.

The State Commissioner of Police CP Emmanuel Adesina, also cautioned the protesters against aggressiveness in the interest of peace and security in the State.

The CP noted that the Police are constitutionally conscious of the right of the citizens to protest and committed to ensuring that, there is no breakdown of law and order during the protest on the Plateau.

He advised citizens to conduct themselves in a manner that peace and tranquility will not be tempered with during the period of the protest.

The Plateau Police boss also assured protesters of adequate security and vowed to take appropriate lawful actions against any person or group of individuals who may infiltrate genuine protesters to ferment trouble.

He reminded Plateau Youths whom he described as pillars of peace that Plateau is a very delicate State, and therefore, they should do everything possible to avoid whatever can spark up crisis in the State.

The Commissioner of Police encouraged residents to support and cooperate with Police personnel deployed to provide security before, during and after the protest, while urging the Police personnel to be civil in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and respect the fundamental rights of protesters.

“As part of proactive measures to deter mischief makers from creating panic with the aim to cause destruction of lives and property, the CP has ordered the immediate evacuation of unused and abandoned tyres on our streets, in market places, roadsides and wherever they could be found within the state. He appealed to Plateau residents to enforce the order by getting rid of all abandoned tyres within their vicinities.

To those whose perception of the planned protest is to maim, kill security operatives and attack Government/Private facilities, specifically Police Stations, the CP issued a stern warning to them to abort their evil plans as the Police will not hesitate to deal with them decisively in accordance with the extant laws, if arrested.

The Plateau State Commissioner of Police also urged all residents to go about their lawful businesses without apprehension and report any suspicious activities to the Police.