The Coalition of Middle Belt Youth Leaders and Middle Belt Ethnic Youth Leaders is urging the youth of the Middle Belt to refrain from participating in the nationwide protest scheduled from August 1st to 23rd, 2024. Though the protest aims to highlight the economic hardships and high inflation facing Nigerians, the coalition believes it is being manipulated by hidden forces with selfish motives.
The coalition acknowledges the severe economic challenges but emphasizes that these issues are inherited and should not be used to exploit the Middle Belt community. They argue that those orchestrating the protest are not driven by genuine concern but by personal ambition. There are credible reports that these groups have armed thugs and criminals to incite chaos, putting the lives and property of innocent citizens at risk.
Amid the economic distress, President Bola Tinubu has shown an understanding of the frustrations faced by Nigerians. He has been working tirelessly to address these challenges and is committed to making the situation better for all citizens. The coalition believes that protests and violence are not the answer and will not lead to any positive change. Instead, they will only cause further harm and instability.
The Middle Belt youth leaders are urging their communities to remain calm and avoid the planned protest. They stress the importance of protecting the region’s peace and security and are committed to finding more constructive ways to express their concerns. The safety of rural dwellers, who have already suffered from frequent militia attacks, is of particular concern. The coalition fears that the protest’s hidden sponsors may use such tactics to incite further violence and bloodshed.
The coalition appreciates President Tinubu’s efforts to address the damage caused by previous administrations and urges him to continue his equitable treatment of Northern Ethnic Nationalities. They assure him of their support in his efforts to restore Nigeria and explicitly state their opposition to actions that could undermine this recovery.
Those planning the protest have significant funds to mislead and mobilize innocent citizens with hidden agendas of violence and destruction. The coalition reminds the public that actions and approaches can have unintended consequences, potentially worsening the situation instead of resolving it. They emphasize the importance of unity during these challenging times to bridge gaps, heal wounds, and promote reconciliation and forgiveness.
Intelligence reports indicate that the protest planners are plotting a military-style siege on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), blocking entrance and exit routes in the Middle Belt region. This could lead to confrontations with security personnel or make the government vulnerable to non-state actors, with the people of the Middle Belt being the primary victims.
Finally, the coalition challenges President Tinubu to implement austerity measures to mitigate the effects of the current economic challenges. They advocate for a peaceful and constructive approach to addressing grievances and are committed to ensuring the safety and prosperity of the Middle Belt and Nigeria as a whole.
The press release bears the signatures of the Coalition of Middle Belt Youth Leaders and Middle Belt Ethnic Youth Leaders, comprising, but not limited to, the following individuals:
– Igala National Youth Leader
– Idoma National Youth Leader
– Ebira National Youth Leader
– Tiv National Youth Leader
– Chukun National Youth Leader
– Berom National Youth Leader
– Amo National Youth Leader
– Atyap National Youth Leader
– Gbagi National Youth Leader
– Zuru National Youth Leader
– Zaar National Youth Leader
– Eggon National Youth Leader
– Alago National Youth Leader
– Baju National Youth Leader
– Jukun National Youth Leader
– Ngas National Youth Leader
– Nupe National Youth Leader
– Chamba National Youth Leader
– Chawai National Youth Leader
– Middle Belt Forum National Youth Leader
– Yemen Youth Forum
– Middle Belt Renaissance National Youth Leader
– Middle Belt Vanguard National Youth Leader
– Igede National Youth Leader
– Bwatye Youth Leader
– Okon Youth Leader
– Mbula Youth Leader
– Kilba Youth Leader
– Kutep Youth Leader
– Higgi Youth Leader
– Bura Youth Leader
– Eggon Youth Leader
– Bachama Youth Leader
– Jonjon Youth Leader
– Kagoro Youth Leader
– Fansuam Youth Leader
– Jaba Youth Leader
– Adara Youth Leader
– Koro Youth Leader
– Middle Belt Patriotic Front
