* President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Tuesday August 6, 2024
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The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Kaduna State Chapter, has condemned the hijacked peaceful protest by what they described as enemies of Kaduna State.
In a press statement signed and issued to newsmen in Kaduna, the State capital by Comrade Sa’adu Bako, the State coordinator of CNG, condemned the act of vandalizing and looting public and private property in the state, adding that they have been following closely with rapt attention the recent protests in the state with serious concern.
The CNG was sad by the unfortunate hijack of the peaceful protests that people embarked on to express their concerns and feelings as is the case in any democratic culture.
The CNG said the maiming, killings, and arson that have ensued stand wholly condemnable.
“We sympathize with the people of Kaduna State who have lost loved ones to the senseless violence that trailed the protests. Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by this unnecessary bloodshed, arson, and physical attacks.”
The CNG called on the Kaduna State government to view this sad incident as a wake-up call to address the difficult living conditions of its residents, which have been propelled by poverty, unemployment, and inequality that translated into hunger that birthed the anger in people.
“The CNG is disturbed that the protest that was intended to be a simple instrument of expression of peoples’ frustration and a cry for help has been hijacked by groups and individuals with dangerous motives, particularly against Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria.”
The CNG makes it categorical that the level of destruction and arson witnessed in Kaduna is unacceptable.
“The sight of young boys breaking into shops and offices is a stark reminder of the challenge of out-of-school children in Kaduna, who are susceptible to recruitment by politicians with questionable motives into violent demonstrations. This is a ticking time bomb that requires urgent attention.
“We therefore condemn in the strongest terms the violent attacks against security agents and innocent civilians alike in the guise of protest.
“This is not what protests are meant to achieve. People must remember that arson and destruction of properties can never replace constructive engagements but can only waste away their commonwealth through repairs and reconstruction.
“Thus, the destruction of public institutions, private investments, and physical harm to innocent citizens is tantamount to throwing out the baby with the bathwater. It is never the solution.”
The CNG observes that family institutions, as it is known as the foundation of our society, are fast-waning in influence and values.
“We renew our call to the parents and communities to take responsibility for building a decent society through instilling high moral standards in their children. This must be supported alongside societal reorientation to promote brotherhood and respect for constituted authority and uphold the rule of law.
“We are calling on the Kaduna State government to re-strategize and prioritize genuine investment in education, particularly primary and secondary schools, which provide the basis for further educational advancement.
This must be consolidated with the establishment of skills acquisition centers that train youngsters on practical problem-solving skills that would contribute to addressing our societal challenges while earning a living and being responsible.
In the same vein, the CNG also counseled all levels of government to cooperate and develop pragmatic mechanisms that portray transparent and accountable commitment through concrete steps to address the grievances of the people.
“We call on the appropriate authorities to ensure that not only those responsible for the violence are brought to justice but also the abhorrent culture of politicians using violence as a means of settling political disagreements must be checkmated objectively without fear or favor.
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