Group urges youths to give President Tinubu time, avoid protests

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Yoruba Progressive Forum (YPF), a prominent socio-cultural group in Nigeria, has appealed to Nigerian youths to refrain from participating in protests, instead grant President Bola Tinubu more time to effectively address and resolve the nation’s current challenges.

National Coordinator of the group, Alhaji Lateef Olalekan, made this appeal while addressing journalists in Osogbo. He highlighted the risk of protests being hijacked by hoodlums, which could potentially escalate into violence and disorder.

He urged Nigerians to be patient with the President, to remain hopeful and prayerful, and assured them that the President would provide safety nets to protect those worst hit by the economic reforms.

Olalekan called on Nigerians to empathize with the President and give him the opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to the nation’s betterment. He also urged traditional rulers to engage with their subjects and discourage any actions that might lead to violence.

He charged security agencies to ensure adequate security to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“Democracy grants the freedom to protest, but in this situation, hoodlums might hijack it. Nigerians must give President Tinubu time to solve Nigeria’s problems. Nigerian youth should have independent minds and reject any attempt to be used and dumped by the enemies of Nigeria,” Olalekan said.

“Let us work together as one to see a better Nigeria in no distant time. We must encourage the youth to shun violence because the consequences of the protests might not be seen immediately but could have long-term effects. Let us give the President time because one year is not enough to fix Nigeria’s problems. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for the people of the country, and we must give him time and support to accomplish his good plans to rebuild the country.”

Olalekan also reminded the organizers of the protests not to forget the destruction and loss of lives and property in previous demonstrations, especially the 2020 EndSARS protest.

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