“Northern Youths Call for October 1 Protest Over Government Inaction”
The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has announced plans to lead a peaceful protest on October 1, 2024, which coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day. The group is mobilizing Nigerians to participate in the demonstration, aiming to hold the government accountable for various issues that have worsened over the last few months.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 30, 2024, the Director of Public Communications for the NYCN, Hussaini Shuaibu, emphasized the importance of citizens exercising their rights. According to Shuaibu, the protest is not only legal but a constitutional right guaranteed by sections 38 to 42 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. These sections ensure every citizen’s freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly. The NYCN believes that these rights must be used to hold leaders accountable, especially when the people feel the government has failed to address their concerns.
Why the Protest? The upcoming protest is a follow-up to demonstrations that took place in August 2024, when thousands of Nigerians took to the streets in frustration over the government’s policies and the rising cost of living. Protesters expressed their displeasure with issues such as inflation, unemployment, fuel subsidy removal, and the overall hardship that Nigerians have been facing. At the time, the government promised to address these concerns. However, two months later, little has changed, according to the NYCN.
Shuaibu pointed out that while the protests initially forced the government to make commitments to tackle the issues, no tangible actions have been taken. He lamented that the situation has even worsened in some cases. For the Northern Youth Council, this inaction is unacceptable, especially since they believe that Northern Nigerians are among the most affected by the country’s current economic and social crises.
A Call for Collective Action Shuaibu urged all Nigerians to join the October 1 protest, emphasizing the need for collective action to push the government toward responsible governance. He described the upcoming event as a peaceful demonstration, aimed at “pricking the conscience” of the nation’s leaders to remind them of their constitutional responsibilities toward the welfare and safety of citizens.
“As citizens, it is not only our right but our duty to hold the government accountable when it appears they are failing in their responsibilities,” Shuaibu said. “We cannot sit idly by while people continue to suffer unbearable hardship. Our goal is to ensure that the government listens to the cries of its people and responds decisively to the challenges facing the nation.”
Shuaibu reiterated that the protest would remain peaceful, stressing that the NYCN is committed to ensuring the safety of all participants. He also called on the government to allow the protest to proceed without interference, as it is the legitimate right of citizens to express their dissatisfaction through peaceful means.
The Northern Perspective The Northern Youth Council has been particularly vocal about the impact of the current economic and political situation on Northerners. Many in the region face heightened security challenges, economic downturns, and limited access to basic amenities, which have made life increasingly difficult. According to Shuaibu, the protest is an opportunity for the Northern people to make their voices heard and demand meaningful change.
Shuaibu urged all Nigerians to come out en masse on October 1 to demonstrate their dissatisfaction and push for reforms that will benefit the entire nation. He expressed hope that the government would take the protests seriously and respond with actions rather than promises.
Conclusion As Nigeria approaches its Independence Day, the Northern Youth Council’s call for peaceful protests highlights the growing frustration among citizens regarding governance and the economic state of the country. For the NYCN, this is not just a protest—it is a movement to ensure that the Nigerian government prioritizes the welfare and safety of its people, as enshrined in the Constitution. The group’s insistence on peaceful demonstration and government accountability signals a continued push for a better Nigeria that works for all its citizens.
Social Media Reactions:
- Zainab (@ZainabAliyu): “The Northern Youth Council is standing up for all Nigerians! Peaceful protest on October 1 for a better Nigeria! #October1Protest #YouthRise”
- Tomiwa (@TomiwaOjo): “It’s time to hold the government accountable! We’re protesting for our rights and for a better future! ✊ #NYCN #October1Protest”
- Fatima (@FatimaKano): “We cannot keep quiet while people suffer. Join the protest on October 1! #BetterNigeria #YouthMovement”
- Daniel (@DanielEze): “The Northern Youth Council is leading the way for change. Peaceful protest on October 1—let’s do this! 💪 #NigeriaProtest #YouthPower”
- Baba (@BabaAbdul): “October 1 isn’t just about Independence—it’s about fighting for a Nigeria we can be proud of! #ProtestForChange #NYCN”
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
