- Ogun Youth Assembly declared it unjust to suppress the right to protest, acknowledging widespread hunger and hardship driving the planned demonstration
- While not participating in the protest, the group urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to engage youth in discussions addressing the economic crisis
Youths in Ogun State declared on Friday that it’s “unjust to suppress the right to protest,” in response to the planned nationwide protest over economic hardship in the country. This statement comes amidst pressure from security agencies and the Federal Government to halt the protest slated for August 1.
The group, under the aegis of Ogun Youth Assembly (OYA), emphasized that Nigerian youths are advocating for the protest due to “widespread hunger, hardship, and abject poverty.”
Barrister Habeeb Whyte, Chairman of OYA, spoke at a press conference held in Abeokuta, the state capital. Whyte clarified that while the group will not participate in the protest, it acknowledges Nigerians’ right to protest.
The youth group believes in dialogue over demonstrations to achieve results. Whyte called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to convene a series of public engagements with the youth across all the state’s Senatorial districts in light of the looming nationwide protest over the economic crisis.
Following a meeting with Governor Abiodun on Tuesday, Whyte appreciated the Governor’s willingness to engage further and his commitment to continued discussions.
“The Ogun Youth Assembly (OYA), representing the teeming young people who form over 70% of Ogun State’s population, deems it imperative to address the nation at this critical juncture. Nigerian youths, driven by widespread hunger, hardship, and abject poverty, are rightfully expressing their frustrations and calling for protest.
“Currently, the average Nigerian is enduring unprecedented hardship characterized by severely diminished purchasing power, lack of basic amenities, and a shortened life expectancy.
“This crisis is closely linked to the nation’s economic state. As a demographic grappling with a bleak future and uncertainty, it is only natural for the youths to seek avenues for expression and redress. Suppressing their right to protest is unjust when such dire conditions are battering them.
“While acknowledging that the dire straits affecting Nigerians can largely be traced to the policies of the Federal Government, we affirm that accountability spans all levels of government, including local authorities.
“Going forward, we want to definitely announce that the era of lethargic local government is over. Now that the nation has moved toward local government autonomy, there will no longer be space for non-performing local government chairmen and ward councillors,” Whyte said.
He added that OYA recognizes “the inherent right of all Nigerians to peaceful protest, yet we are also acutely aware of the potential for such protests to devolve into destructive actions, especially during heightened emotional intensity. It is crucial to pursue dialogue even as we seek change through peaceful demonstration.”