Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has urged youths to shun violence during the planned nationwide protest.
He appealed to traditional rulers, leaders of religious organisations, and other community leaders to advise their people against resorting to violence, even as youths across the country plan to start the #EndBadGovernance protest on August 1, 2024.
The governor also expressed concerns that the planned national protest may escalate into violence, potentially harming vulnerable and weak individuals in the country.
He made the appeal on Tuesday during a statewide broadcast to Abia residents.
Otti acknowledged that Nigerians have the right to protest against poor conditions but expressed concern that any good intentions of the original organisers of the national protest may be undermined if opportunists and hoodlums hijack the protest to incite disorder.
“Some economic policies of the federal government, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, may not have yet produced the desired results as initially intended, but I urge our youths to pursue peaceful means to express their grievances rather than resorting to violence,” he stated.
The governor advised Abia youths to exercise restraint and engage with leaders through a charter of demands and vowed that his administration would do everything possible to protect the people from harm and destruction.
He said, “What Abians need now is a strong sense of peace and sustained development, not chaos.
“Our administration has made significant investments in infrastructure in Aba and Umuahia, and such infrastructure should be protected from those who may attempt to hijack the protest and cause mayhem.
“Abia State civil servants have received the April tranche of the Wage Award, as promised by our administration, among other commitments. Therefore, I plead with Abia people to shun violence.”