National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM
Amid rising economic challenges and widespread hardship, Niger Delta youths have announced plans to stage a peaceful nationwide protest on Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1, 2024. This comes on the heels of the recent ten-day “End Bad Governance” protests across the country.
In a notification letter addressed to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and dated August 23, 2024, the Niger Delta Youth Council of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Council, formally communicated their intentions.
The letter, signed by the council’s chairman, Comrade Itoro Joshua, and its secretary, Comrade Moses Dickson, outlined their reasons for the protest and emphasised its peaceful nature.
The letter stated, in part, “We, the Niger Delta Youth Council of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Council, wish to formally notify Your Excellency of our intention to carry out a nationwide peaceful protest against hunger and hardship, scheduled for October 1, 2024.”
“As a youth organisation committed to the welfare and progress of our people, we cannot remain silent in the face of increasing economic challenges.”
The council assured the governor that the protest would be peaceful and conducted in strict adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
The primary goal of the protest is to draw the Federal Government’s attention to the severe plight of citizens and to demand urgent action to address the pressing issues affecting the lives of Nigerians.
In addition to notifying the governor, the youths have also informed the State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, of their plans. They requested police protection to ensure the protest remains peaceful and to safeguard the participants.
The planned protest highlights the growing frustration among Nigerian youths, particularly in the Niger Delta region, as they continue to face worsening economic conditions and a lack of effective government response.
