The Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Chief Audu Ogbeh, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to immediately address the demands of the protesting youths.
Chief Audu Ogbeh disclosed this during the National Executive Council of the ACF in Kaduna.
According to him, the current state of restiveness of the youths across the country was a threat to the nation’s unity.
He admonished the elders of the region to be mindful of the current developments and ensure that they remain safe.
His words, “The current restiveness of the youths, particularly in the North, is a potent threat to the wellbeing of the Region and the nation at large. Any attempt to ignore the youths would spell doom for the country.”
He continued, “We must bring along the youth, our own children and reconnect with them, support them and even learn from them. We can no longer ignore them and their demands, as we only do so at our own peril.”
Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former Minister of Agriculture, also decried the uncertainty surrounding the safety of the country, following the #EndSARS protest which had turned bloody when the Army and other security operatives opened fire on the protesters.
His words, “The nation is no longer safe as a result of the ongoing protest.”
“We have challenges, serious challenges to deal with. These are very well known to all of us. They are social, economic and political in nature. We can and must confront them headlong through investment in education, agriculture and industry.”
He said, “In the face of current realities and pressing needs, we must re-strategise and focus our energies on new developments.”
“It is my hope that now, more than ever before, is the time for all stakeholders to buckle up and save our children and secure their future.
“We must be conscious of our unity both in the North and Nigeria at-large. I wish to prevail on you to continue to exercise caution and passion to strengthen the unity of the Nation within our strength.
“Let us together grow the North, develop and unite Nigeria”, he said.
