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Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has described youths as the beacon of hope for Nigeria.
He urged the youths to refrain from engaging in acts that would impede the developmental gains so far achieved in Nigeria.
The Kebbi State Governor disclosed this at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, during an interactive session with members of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Kebbi State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Ibrahim Muhammed.
The interactive session was a sequel to the rally organized by the Group (CNG) in the state capital against insecurity and police brutality.
The Group had subsequently submitted a letter to Office of the Governor last week, where they appreciated the Governor for ceding to the demands of the protesters.
Governor Bagudu praised the Group for protesting peacefully in support of the actions of the Federal Government, contrary to others who are protesting against every step taken by security agencies, especially the police.
According to the Governor, “More steps will be taken by the government at all levels to further protect lives and properties of Nigerians.”
He assured members of the Group that his administration will continue to provide opportunities for youths in the state, as well as informing and mobilizing them to benefit from the Federal Government Social Investment Programs, Skills Acquisition and Employment Opportunities.
He explained that “the #ENDSARS protests and other security issues were at the forefront of decisions during the recent meeting between the National Economic Council and the Nigerian Governors Forum.”
He continued, “The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, informed the meeting that President Muhammad Buhari has approved all the five demands presented by the protesters.”
The Kebi State Governor, while condemning the attack on his Osun State Counterpart by some hoodlums, regretted the loss of lives and properties as a result of the protest.
The Governor also called for further engagement between the Government officials and the leadership of the coalition in order to provide possible solutions to issues raised during the interaction.
In his remarks, the leader of the Coalition, Ibrahim Muhammed, stated that the coalition supports all the measures taken so far by the Federal Government to address the issues raised by the ENDSARS protesters.
According to Muhammed, the measures taken by the Federal Government include the immediate disbandment of SARS and the subsequent formation of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
His words, “it is in line with this that members of the coalition staged a rally last Thursday, in Birnin Kebbi to express their support.”
He continued, “The North has in recent years, been plagued by a myriad of security challenges such as Boko Haram, Banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed robbery among others.”
He noted that it had been more than one week that the ENDSARS protests had lingered, stating that “although the constitution gives us the right to speak our minds, such freedom should not be exercised in such a way that would trample on the freedom of others.”
“We will continue to collaborate with the state government to move the state forward”, He concluded.
