The Coalition of Indigenous Youths Nationalities of Plateau State has rejected the planned nationwide protest, citing security concerns and the peculiar circumstances of the state.
In a press conference held on Wednesday in Jos, Paul Dekete, the state chairman of the coalition stated that the state has suffered enough crises and cannot afford to go into another one in the name of protest.
“We are not insulated from the general malaise in Nigeria, but for the risky security circumstances we face as Plateau communities we can not afford to risk the peace we’re currently enjoying”.
The coalition appealed to their national compatriots to exempt Plateau youths from participating in the 10-day national protest, stating that joining the protest would unwittingly amount to opening the floodgates to their oppressors to inflict another round of havoc, bloodshed, and exploitation on the peace-loving people of Plateau State.
They said they are committed to promoting peace and tranquillity in the land while supporting the giant steps and appreciable progress of Federal, State, and Local Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the amiable Governor of the people of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang.
The coalition prayed for the government to continue implementing people-oriented policies, review and regulate fuel prices, disengage saboteurs in the oil and gas industry, and sack cabinet members linked to insecurity.
They also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to forget to appoint a minister for Plateau State.
“We wish to passionately appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to forget to appoint a minister for Plateau State,” Dekete said.
Meanwhile, the Plateau state government has expressed strong opposition to the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1st.
According to Samuel Jateau, Secretary to the government of Plateau State, while addressing the Youths of the state in Jos, said the state has suffered enough crises and should not be allowed to go into another one in the name of protest.
“The state has been through a lot and we cannot afford to go into another crisis,” Jateau said. He emphasized the need for peace and stability in the state, urging youths to shun the protest.
The planned protest has been met with opposition from various quarters on the Plateau, with many calling for a peaceful resolution of issues rather than resorting to protests.
