The Arewa Citizens Action for Good Leadership (ACAGL) has announced its withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest against the severe economic challenges facing Nigeria.
The group, initially instrumental in organising the protest, cited potential security risks as the primary reason for their decision.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kano on Monday, ACAGL spokesperson Saeed Sulaiman Umar explained that the group made this decision after a thorough consideration of the potential consequences.
He highlighted the precarious situation in the country, noting that insecurity, hunger, and economic instability have left many citizens struggling to meet basic needs.
“This is alarming as many hardworking people can no longer deliver on their basic responsibilities to their families,” Umar stated.
“The withdrawal from the protest is rooted in a desire to maintain peace and stability in Kano State and the northern region,”he said.
Umar drew parallels with other nations where protests, initially peaceful, devolved into violent conflicts, leading to loss of lives, property destruction, and long-term instability.
“We have witnessed the devastating effects of protests in some countries, where initially peaceful demonstrations escalated into violent conflicts, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and long-term instability,” he said.
Despite pulling out of the protest, ACAGL emphasised the ongoing suffering due to widespread economic hardship.
Umar called on the government to urgently address these issues, urging the Kano State government to take immediate action to alleviate the challenges faced by its citizens.
He also made a broader appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the federal government to tackle the pressing issues plaguing the nation.
Among the specific demands made by ACAGL were the immediate addressing of Boko Haram attacks, finding innovative solutions to the current economic hardships, revitalising the country’s refineries, and reducing petrol prices to an affordable level.
The group also called for a reversal of the recent electricity tariff hikes and an indefinite suspension of any future increments.
They urged the government to revert tertiary institution fees to their previous rates, reduce the cost of governance, and cut the salaries and allowances of political office holders, starting with President Tinubu.
Additionally, ACAGL advised against taking foreign loans that could compromise Nigeria’s future.
Umar concluded by reiterating ACAGL’s commitment to peace and stability, emphasising the importance of prioritising a violence-free future for Kano and the northern region.
The group expressed its determination to continue advocating for positive change through peaceful and constructive means.
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