Another Northern group pulls out of planned protest

By Rauf Oyewole

A pressure group, United Civil Society Organisations in Bauchi State has distanced itself from the planned August 1st protest against hardship in the country.

The group which said it had earlier mobilised to protest against the government rescinded its decision and opted for dialogue to avoid destruction of property and loss of lives.

The Convener of the Group, Comrade Aliyu Mukaddas while addressing a press conference in Bauchi on Saturday, said: “In line with the foregoing and given the current difficult situation in the country, and the attempt by some hoodlums to hijack the protest to cause trouble and use the same in destroying the country which is never our aim. 

“Based on that development, we recognise the importance of peace, stability and constructive dialogue in achieving our collective goal, hence the need to eschew violence and the repeat of the ENDSARS saga,” he said.

The group resolved that there should be a more defined manner of getting the leaders to hear Nigerians’ plights. “So, in our view, there is no need to overheat the polity, overheat our environment and put our people in a position where the hardship that is occasioned by economic recession all over the world is further worsened. So, we are against the protests, and we shelve our plans of a nationwide

protest. 

“In the course of entrenching peace, unity and development in the country at all levels, state and national, United Civil Society Organisations is always ready to partner, create and sustain synergy with the government and other stakeholders so that together, the dream of building an egalitarian society. where justice and the rule of law drive the process are the watch words.”

Recall that the NLC and some pressure groups have announced their withdrawal from the protest, claiming that they would not be part of the protest. 

Also, the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, Auwal Mohammed has requested the conveners of the protest to submit their details and locations for the demonstration to deploy operatives of the Force for proper control.