A youth group, one of the organizers of EndBadGovernanceinNigeria, Concerned Revolutionary Youths, has withdrawn from the planned nationwide protest in Ondo State.
In a statement to the press in Akure, the state capital, the group’s leader in Ondo State, Ogundipe Seyi Olaniyi, cited security concerns indicating that the protest could become disruptive and violent.
Ogundipe explained that the decision to withdraw was made after a careful evaluation of the situation and interventions by prominent state indigenes. The group has informed its counterparts nationwide of its decision to withdraw and continue dialogue with the government on pressing issues.
The group has also notified security agencies and relevant authorities of its intent not to participate in the planned protest. Ogundipe emphasized that the decision was not due to financial inducement or intimidation but was influenced by interventions and security reports suggesting that some groups might hijack the protest to settle ethnic scores.
Ogundipe noted that the protest had already achieved its objectives, with President Ahmed Tinubu starting to address the demands of the organizers. He mentioned that the President had taken proactive measures to address many issues raised, aiming to improve the situation for Nigerians.
“The Deji of Akure and the Amotekun Corps Commandant, Akogun Tunji Adeleye, engaged with us, leading to our decision to halt the protest and continue engaging with the government,” Ogundipe stated. “We are not being bankrolled or given money; we believe in good governance.”
He added, “We are protesting because of the hardship in society, and it is clear that we face many deplorable conditions. Youths across the 36 states of Nigeria, including the FCT, planned to show our grievances.”