No fewer than one hundred youth groups and hordes of students stormed Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, vehemently rejecting the planned nationwide protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The peaceful protestors dissociated themselves from the planned protests, stating that it would be detrimental to the sustainable peace, unity, and socio-economic prosperity of the country.
Chanting “Sai Kaura Gwandu, Sai Tinubu” and “We don’t want Protest,” the youth groups and students marched through major streets in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State Capital, to Government House, where Governor Nasir Idris addressed them.
Addressing them, an elated Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, commended the youths for treading the path of peace and dialogue.
“I am happy that our able, indefatigable, and vibrant youths have steered clear from the obnoxious planned protests. It is not in our character to engage in such a show of shame and ungratefulness,” he said.
The Kauran Gwandu acknowledged that the three tiers of government were doing their best to execute myriad projects to better Nigeria. “Such a wonderful trajectory of peace and development cannot be consolidated in a rancorous situation,” Dr. Idris added.
The Governor further urged the youths to sustain their patriotism, prayers, and patience. He appealed to the youths not to mortgage their future by allowing some dastardly elements to use them to foment trouble.
Dr. Idris promised to sustain all his people-oriented projects, programs, and policies. He also said that his administration is planning many interventions to further empower the youths, women, and other vulnerable groups across the state.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, acknowledged the credible leadership and good governance of the APC leader in the state, Dr. Nasir Idris. He said Dr. Idris, a veteran labor leader and core educationist, has not disappointed them. Bagudu also commended the Governor for cultivating and nurturing a robust synergy with the Federal Government, saying, “This is attracting many good things to the state.”
The leader of the youths, Muhammad Adamu, said they are strongly opposed to the planned protests, as they are law-abiding and patriotic. Adamu said that their stand was in recognition of the giant strides recorded by the Kauran Gwandu administration in various sectors of the economy such as education, health, agriculture, and security, among others. He reiterated their loyalty to the Kauran Gwandu-led administration in the state and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Hadiza Saidu Dankolo, National Vice President of the National Union of Kebbi State Students Association, addressed the crowd, assuring the Governor of the students’ support. “We are totally against the planned protests. We support you, Your Excellency, and our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.
Hon. Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Nura Bala Fingilla, commended the youths and students for distancing themselves from the planned protests. “I applaud the foresight of Kebbi youths and students for unanimously opposing the planned nationwide protests against the Government,” he said.
The rally featured a diverse range of participants, including people living with disabilities, women’s groups, the State Wing of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), vigilantes, keke napep riders, and commercial motorcyclists.
