The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has announced that its members will not participate in the planned protest on April 7th, organized by the Take It Back (TIB) Movement.
In a statement released on Sunday, the President of NYCN, Isah Abubakar, acknowledged the widespread hardships, high unemployment, and grievances that have sparked calls for protest. However, he cautioned that a protest may not be the best solution for the nation at this time.
“We are deeply concerned about the rising tension across various regions and the increasingly fragile socio-political climate. As an organization committed to youth empowerment, we understand the grievances driving these calls for protest. However, we urge calm and peaceful engagement over actions that may worsen the situation,” Abubakar stated.
He further highlighted the risks of hijacking such demonstrations by disruptive elements, drawing comparisons to previous mass protests like the EndSARS movement, which saw widespread violence, destruction of public infrastructure, and loss of lives.
“No one desires a repeat of such tragic events,” he added.
While recognizing the legitimacy of the concerns raised by the organizers of the planned protest, Abubakar emphasized that national peace and stability should be prioritized above all else.
“We urge our fellow young Nigerians to come together, not through protests, but through meaningful dialogue and civic engagement. Let us channel our energy towards building a more inclusive and progressive Nigeria,” he urged.
The NYCN President also called on Nigerian youths to remain calm, avoid violence, and trust the ongoing efforts by authorities to address the country’s pressing issues.
“We must be patient and vigilant. The path to lasting change is through peaceful, strategic action, not chaos,” he concluded.
