TheCable

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has asked youths to shun the planned June 12 nationwide protests.

In a statement on Friday, in Abuja, Solomon Adodo, NYCN president, said though protest is a fundamental human right of all aggrieved citizens, it is pertinent to use the occasion of Democracy Day to reflect on issues that will propel progress and national cohesion.

He added that those who have chosen to protest at the slightest opportunity have failed to offer useful tips that could remedy the issues they choose to protest over.

“Considering the mood of the nation, it is safe to submit that this is no time for protest. Rather, all stakeholders of the Nigeria project should use the occasion of democracy day to reflect on the journey so far, and suggest ways of making amendments where there are perceived lapses,” Adodo said.

“What the nation needs at this period is to rally round the government to overcome the daunting challenges. There is time and season for everything. Our country today is been threatened by criminals masquerading as bandits, kidnappers, secessionist and outright terrorists.

“There have been claims in some quarters that some of these challenges are been propelled by enemies of Nigeria. Others opined that some unscrupulous elements who seek to take over political power are sponsoring criminal acts to destabilize the country.

“Yet, other blame the challenges on the inability to provide good governance. Whatever the case may be, we must first see ourselves as Nigerians and unite to confront whatever challenge that threatens the soul of our dear nation.

“We are disturbed that certain persons who constitute themselves to critics and protest merchants have not offered advice on ways of solving the perceived wrongs. As patriots, we must see ourselves as contributing to nation-building rather than amplifying issues that give the nation a negative image.”

Some groups, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NAN), had planned a protest for June 12 over alleged bad governance in the country.

But on Friday, NANS announced the suspension of the planned demonstration over safety concerns and fear of hijack by politicians.