1The Kano Peace Committee (KPC) has called on the youth in Kano State to refrain from participating in a planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on October 1st, 2024.
In a statement issued on Monday by Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, Convener and Head of Secretariat of the KPC, the committee urged the youth to prioritize peace, security, and the integrity of the state over involvement in any form of protest.
The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to an increasing circulation of a sponsored campaign by some elements, aimed at mobilizing Kano Youth to participate in the planned protest slated to begin on October 1st, 2024.”
It continued, “The ongoing campaign to lure Kano youths onto the streets to continue the ‘End Bad Governance’ protest, as a second phase of the national protest that occurred between August 1st and 10th, 2024, is not only misleading and unpatriotic but also ill-timed.”
Waiya reminded the youth of the severe consequences that Kano experienced during the last national protest, saying, “Kano State experienced one of its worst nightmares during the previous national protest, more than any other state in the country. We are yet to recover from the immense losses, including billions worth of public and private properties, as well as human lives. The protest did not only set the state back economically, socially, and commercially, but it also damaged our integrity, respect, and honor amongst other states in the federation.”
He further emphasized the personal costs of participating in such demonstrations, warning, “Many of those who participated in the previous protest are still languishing in jail, while those who instigated and pushed them into the protests have abandoned them to their self-inflicted fate.”
Waiya urged the youth to reflect on their actions and resist political manipulation, noting, “It is high time for the youth to take bold steps to emancipate themselves from the clutches of political manipulation by selfish politicians who are determined to destroy the future of our young people. These individuals are busy securing bright futures for their own children, sending them to the best schools and preserving lucrative jobs and appointments for them.”
He concluded by reminding Kano residents of their responsibility to protect their state, saying, “Kano State is the only state we have, and it is our duty to protect and preserve its integrity, honor, and respect from any evil plans aimed at destroying it or subjecting its residents to undue hardship.”
The statement also commended the efforts of security agencies in safeguarding the state and urged them to continue to act professionally within the confines of the law. “It is time to unite and salvage our dear state and our country from any threats to our peace, security, and peaceful coexistence,” Waiya said.
