No fewer than 20 affiliate associations under the Concerned Citizens of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) have announced their withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest slated to begin on August 11th.
The announcement was made by the CCNN Coordinator in Jigawa State, Mr Muhammad Bello, during a press conference in Dutse.
Bello said the state chapter of the group decided to withdraw from the protest after considering the circumstances surrounding it.
The coordinator explained that the decision was reached in consultation with 20 affiliate associations in the state. “Initially, we actively participated in the mobilisation of people to partake in the protest considering the prevailing conditions of insecurity, hunger, and starvation in the country,” said Mr Muhammad Bello.
“However, after considering the circumstances surrounding the protest, the CCNN Jigawa state chapter, including 27 LGA branches, hereby announces its withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest,” he noted.
“The decision was reached in consultation with the 20 affiliate associations in the state and came after careful consideration and thorough assessment of the potential risks and consequences of participating in the protest,” he added.
The coordinator emphasised that, as concerned citizens, the group prioritises the peace and stability of the Northern Region.
According to him, the group has witnessed the devastating effects of protests in other countries, where peaceful demonstrations escalated into violent conflicts, resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and long-term instability.
Bello described the group’s withdrawal from the protest as a proactive measure to safeguard the interests of the Northern region, stating that Nigerians are suffering from insecurity, hunger, and starvation.
He added that the economic situation has worsened, leaving many Nigerians without access to basic necessities.
“Therefore, we call on President Tinubu to implement policies to stimulate economic growth and job creation and provide support for vulnerable populations, especially the poor and marginalised.
“The CCNN charges the government to address the root causes of insecurity and work towards lasting peace.”
“Specifically, the CCNN presents the following demands to the government: the government must work to end the insecurity bedevilling our communities, end the current hardship in Nigeria immediately, revitalise our refineries and reverse petrol prices to a reasonable amount, reverse the electricity tariff, bring tertiary institution fees back to their previous rates, reduce the costs of governance, refrain from taking foreign loans, and reduce taxes on citizens,” he declared.
According to him, the group is aware that most of the promoters and sponsors of the protest are neither living nor working in Nigeria and that the group will not provide a platform for conflict merchants to exploit the situation and worsen the suffering of the citizens.
“We, therefore, urge all concerned citizens to join us in prioritising peace and stability in our region because together we can build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come devoid of violence,” the coordinator said.
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