…Urges Agitators, Nigerian Youths To Embrace Peace
By HABEEBAT AJAYI
A coalition under the aegis of the Yoruba Appraisal Forum (YAF),has cautioned Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used by some aggrieved persons and groups to instigate violence and cause troubles in the country under the guise of protesting against perceived grievances.
National Coordinator, of YAF Adeshina Animashaun, gave this warning, on Thursday, during a press conference in Lagos to mark the 61st Independence Day anniversary celebrations.
Adeshina kicked against the planned ‘lockdown or sit-at-home’ by some Yoruba groups scheduled to commence from Monday, next week, in solidarity with the Independent People of Biafra’s (IPOB) sit-at-home action in the South-East.
Also, he warned that such planned protests and lockdown were aimed at bringing down the country and the incumbent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
In his words, “We are against the backdrop of plans by some groups to carry out protests across the country against the Federal Government on October 1 and the plan to commence the planned sit-at-home in solidarity with IPOB from next Monday.”
He pointed sharply that Nigerian youths should be cautious and vigilant to avoid unknowingly aiding or participating in violent activities under the aegis of unpatriotic groups and individuals claiming to be championing their rights to protest and agitate for Nigeria’s dismemberment.
He said “illegal, criminal and unpatriotic actions” should be ignored by youths and all Nigerians as they were allegedly meant “to loot, steal, destroy and kill innocent citizens, particularly those of other ethnic stocks.
“willingly or unwillingly, could have serious consequences for them as they could be unknowingly aiding terrorism under a different guise cloaked as patriotic activities.”
The Forum, therefore, urged Nigerian youths and citizens to go joyfully celebrate the nation’s 61st Independence anniversary on Friday, October 1 and go about their normal business from Monday, October 4, 2021 by refusing to partake in any disruptive and destructive sit-at-home declared by “unpatriotic groups” in the South-West.
Meanwhile, the forum advised parents to warn their children of the consequences of crime and treason that their participation in such illegal activities may bring upon them.
“At this juncture, YAF, therefore, wants to appeal to aggrieved persons and groups to sheathe their swords and in the interest of Nigeria’s peace and unity, eschew agitations to dismember the country. We should all remember that decapitation is never the remedy for headache.
“It’s time for all Nigerians to embrace peace, join hands with fellow citizens to work for lasting peace and desired progress. Let’s, therefore, rather use tomorrow’s Independence Day celebrations to reflect on how to move our country forward and to greater heights. Let’s not make ourselves willing tools for the few aggrieved persons and groups who do not wish Nigeria well.
“Peace and righteousness do a great deal of good to any group of people and nations, and this YAF believes should continue to bind the conscience of every Nigerian, especially as the country clocks 61 tomorrow.”
