Following a town hall meeting in Enugu, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for the state has decided to withdraw from the planned protests scheduled for August 1 to 10, citing concerns over potential chaos and loss of life, reminiscent of the tragic EndSARS protests.
The student organization emphasized its commitment to its foundational principles of Consultation, Consolidation, and Confrontation, stating, “We must consult and consolidate on our consultation before we confront.”
In a similar vein, the Enugu State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has also opted out of the protests, advocating instead for peaceful dialogue and urging local youths to refrain from participating in any demonstrations that could compromise the welfare of the state and the nation.
After a four-hour town hall meeting on Sunday, Comrade Prisca Okeke, the Chairman of NANS Enugu, presented their resolution, which focused on the theme “The Role of Students in Nation Building and National Stability.”
The meeting was convened in light of the escalating economic challenges and hardships affecting the populace. However, the participants concluded that the current climate did not favor street protests at this juncture.
They urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to alleviate the high cost of living and improve welfare standards for students, faculty, and the academic community at large.
“While we acknowledge the right to protest, we remain acutely aware of the potential societal disruptions that can arise when protests escalate into violence,” they stated.
The student leaders noted the significant lessons learned from previous civil unrest, including the EndSARS protests, which led to tragic outcomes such as loss of lives, economic downturn, and societal fragmentation.
Aligned with the national body of NANS, which has called for peaceful resolutions—demonstrated through a recent march in the Federal Capital Territory—the Enugu chapter unanimously resolved against participation in the impending nationwide protests.
Expressing empathy for the hardships faced by Nigerians, the Enugu student leaders urged the government to explore alternative methods to address these pressing issues, advocating for immediate policy changes that would positively impact citizens’ lives, such as reducing inflation and making essential goods more affordable.
In a related development, the NYCN Enugu chapter, backed by over 50 youth organizations in the state, also expressed a preference for dialogue over protests. Chairman Comrade Bartholomew Okoh stated, “The youth of Enugu State, under the NYCN, have opted for dialogue and engagement with both the State and Federal Government instead of participating in the national protests.”
This pivotal decision reflects a commitment to constructive conversations as a means to tackle various pressing issues affecting the youth and the larger community.
While acknowledging the right to protest, the youth leaders in Enugu firmly believe that prioritizing dialogue is the most prudent course of action to avoid the economic upheaval experienced during the EndSARS protests, which had extensive repercussions.
In light of their decision, they strongly urged the Federal Government to address critical issues such as security, job creation, affordable food prices, enhancements in education and healthcare, reduction of fuel prices, and increased youth participation in governance, among other urgent demands.
