- By Afolabi Samuel Odunayo
As the nationwide protest kicks off on Thursday, August 1, 2024, The New Diplomat highlights 10 states where various civil service society groups have reportedly declared non-participation.
It would be recalled that, for different reasons, each of these groups reportedly pulled out of from the soaring group #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.”
While some were said to have withdrawn due to fear of potential violence during protest, others pulled out for other reasons. Below are the 10 States where some groups said they are pulling out of the planned protests:
Kaduna State
In Kaduna State, about 45 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) recently said they were pulling out of the August 1 protest against the Federal Government, fearing it could be taken over by thugs.
Under the Movement for Greater Kaduna (MGK), the CSOs led by Coordinator Hon. Bawa Ismail Muhammad, acknowledged economic frustrations but worried the protest could cause more harm than good.
Osun State
The World Institute for Peace (WIP) and concerned youths in Osun State also claimed they withdrew from the planned nationwide protest, fearing potential chaos.
Collaborating with Jongo Farmers Nigeria, WIP said it recognized the right to peaceful protest but stressed their withdrawal was in the general interest.
Akwa-Ibom State
Less than 24 hours after Governor Umo Eno addressed them, key stakeholders such as youth groups, students, and market associations announced they were pulling out from the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship set for August 1.
Other groups, including the state chapters of the NLC, TUC, CSOs, and other interest groups, also pulled out.
Nasarawa State
Over 60,000 youths from the Arewa Integrity Group for Good Governance in the North Central region said they have opted out of the August 1 protest.
In a statement issued in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Friday, the group leader, Joseph Maiwada said they withdrew to give the Federal Government a chance to address citizens’ needs and maintain peace.
Abuja
The Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, said to be representing various ethnic groups, also said it is withdrawing from the planned nationwide protests.
In a press release, Chairman Comrade Moh’d Kazeem and spokesperson Comrade Emmanuel Gabriel stated that stakeholders’ wisdom and reasoning called for patience as the President addresses the issues.
Lagos State
The Labour Party Lagos Patriots, also known as the Yoruba Obidients, announced its withdrawal from the proposed nationwide protest The group voiced concerns about the protests in Lagos being potentially hijacked by hoodlums.
Kwara State
Students and members of the Kwara Progressive Media Organization (KPMO) and People Living with Disabilities (PLWD), along with other youth groups in Kwara State, claimed they have out of the planned nationwide protest.
They argued that dialogue and constructive engagement, not protest, would the solutions to the nation’s crisis.
Rivers State
Local government workers in Rivers State said they withdrew from the planned nationwide protests, for fear of it being potentially hijacked by disruptive elements.
Members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, expressed their concerns and dissociated from the protests scheduled for August 1, 2024.
Enugu State
Enugu Innovative Youths, a group said they decided to opt out of the planned nationwide protest to avoid exacerbating security issues in Enugu State and the country.
Reflecting on the ENDSARS protest, the group cited high risks of the protest being hijacked and called for patience as conditions improve.
Zamfara State
The Zamfara Indigenes Enlightenment Forum, a group in Zamfara state announced that its members will not participate in the planned nationwide protest.
They criticized the protest for what it called “lacking clear direction”.
