We stand by our youths on bad governance protest –Northern elders

From Umar Dankano, Yola

As the planned peaceful protest by Nigerian youths begins today, Thursday 1st August 2024, some Northern stakeholders have expressed their backing for the end hunger and bad governance move.
The elders include; Prof. Usman Yusuf, Hajia Najatu Muhammad, Mallam Salihu Lukman and Dr. Umar Ardo.
In a statement issued yesterday, they regretted that, the nation has long been facing unprecedented challenges of insecurity, excruciating poverty, unemployment, diseases and high cost of living.
They unanimously acknowledged that the primary purpose of any government is to secure life and property, and enhance the welfare of its citizens.
“Any regime that cannot guarantee these basic rights loses all legal and moral authority of being in power, and would naturally incur the wrath of citizens. It can therefore only remain in office more by default than by public consent.
“We call on our leaders and governments at all levels to be responsive and demonstrate commitment and respect for the freedom of all citizens to express themselves freely without any provocation as provided for in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended. We believe that together we can build a Nigeria that works for all its citizens, regardless of age, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
“This seems to be the state our dear country, Nigeria, is drifting towards. Over the years, successive governments at all levels, including the incumbent ones, fell short of delivering the requisite leadership. Consequently, Nigerians have been thrown into a state of social dislocation that has plunged citizens, especially the youths, into disillusionment, disappointment, frustration and hopelessness.”