The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, has announced that young individuals within the state will not be joining the planned October 20 nationwide protest in Lagos State.
In a press statement issued on Sunday evening, the youth umbrella body described the protest being organized by former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, under the guise of advocating for the right of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as self-serving and politically motivated, stressing that Lagos youths won’t be used as political machineries.
According to the statement signed by the State Chairman, Engr. Adigun Ibrahim Olalekan, MNSE, the NYCN Lagos leadership maintained that while it recognizes the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest, it will not support any action capable of disrupting the peace and stability currently being enjoyed in Lagos State.
“Lagos has moved past the era of destructive protests. Our youths are now more focused on empowerment, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development. Any call to protest that does not directly contribute to the socio-economic growth of our state is a distraction and an attempt to drag our energetic young people into unnecessary confrontation with the government,” the statement read in part.
Engr. Adigun further cautioned youths against being lured into politically instigated demonstrations as he called on all young individuals to shun the planned protest.
“Let it be known that Lagos youths will not be part of any protest that threatens the peace of our dear state. Anyone who chooses to go ahead with such actions is on their own,” he declared.
