Why Northern Youths Will Shun August 1st Protest 

By Kabir Matazu

The Arewa Youth Federation, led by President Kabir Matazu, has made a conscious decision to in the interest of peace and stability of the nation to distance itself from the planned protest against the Federal Government. This move is a growing realization that protests is not the most effective way to bring about positive change. History has shown that protests often escalate beyond control, leading to devastating consequences, as seen in the Endsars protests of October 2020 that took place in some parts of Nigeria.

The Endsars protests, which started as a peaceful movement was eventually hijacked by hoodlums, resulting in widespread violence, destruction of property, injuries and loss of lives. The economic effects were crippling, businesses were shut down while foreign and local investments suffered the hit. The Northern region, already facing dire economic challenges, cannot afford to repeat such a scenario. It is time to rethink our approach and explore peaceful and practical ways of engaging with the government.

Protests have failed to yield desired results in various countries like Sudan, Libya, and Syria, where they led to chaos and instability. In Nigeria, we have seen how protest can be counterproductive, causing more harm than good. Instead of taking to the streets, we will focus more on constructive engagement, dialogue and collaboration with the government.

The Arewa Youth Federation is already working hard to address the concerns of Northern youths, engaging with stakeholders and policymakers to find solutions to our problems. We call on troublemakers to avoid the North and rethink their strategies, as we work towards a more prosperous and peaceful region.

In consultation with our contemporaries from across the region, we have resolved to be patient and support the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its drive to implement reforms that will benefit the North and the Nation. One of this notable initiative is the massive investment in critical infrastructure, such as the Sokoto Badagry Express Road, among others. This government strategic investment in infrastructure will no doubt enhance economic growth and development the region. More importantly, efforts are clearly on the way to revitalize the textile factories which will significantly restore the economy of the North and turn the wasting cotton into wealth.

Additionally, the administration’s focus on agriculture and food security will benefit Northern farmers and boost the region’s economy. The recently created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development will help resolve the lingering farmers and herders crises across the country and enhance the economic potential of livestock sector which is a multi-billion dollar industry.

Furthermore, the government’s efforts to address the security challenges in the North, particularly the menace of banditry and kidnapping, are commendable. The deployment of additional security personnel and equipment to the region has helped to restore normalcy, allowing people to go about their daily lives without fear.

We understand that the current economic hardship is not peculiar to Nigeria. Even developed countries like Argentina are facing similar challenges. Argentina’s economic crisis, characterized by high inflation, currency fluctuations, and austerity measures, is a testament to the global nature of economic challenges. However, with patience and support for the government’s policies, we believe that Nigeria will overcome its current challenges.

In light of this, we call on Northern youth to shun the planned protest and instead work with the government to address genuine concerns of the citizens. We should focus on collaboration rather than resorting to protests and violence. The Arewa Youth Federation is already engaging with government and stakeholders to improve the lives and wellbeing of the citizens. It is therefore expected from us to be patient enough to allow this bold government policies and reforms to fully mature.

In conclusion, the decision by the Arewa Youth Federation to shun the August 1st protest is a wise one. Instead of engaging in protests against the government will instead organize strategic solidarity rallies to mobilize support for the government because we believe that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s reforms will benefit the North, and we are willing to give them a chance to work. We urge all stakeholders to join us in this effort, working together to build a better future for our region.

By working together and collaborating with the government, we can achieve more and build a region that is prosperous, peaceful and secure. A northern region where our people can live without fear of kidnapping and economic hardship. A region where our youths can grow and thrive, and reach their full potential. Let us work together to make this vision a reality.

Matazu is the President of Arewa Youth Federation