Much as it is true that the country is passing through a challenging situation in all fronts, Sokoto State Stakeholders have stated that the State will not be amenable to participating in the August 1 scheduled nationwide protest.
At an interactive session on Friday July 26, 2024, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, former Governor Aliyu Wamakko Magatakarda, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, Minister of State, Water Resources, former Minister for Police Affairs Muhammadu Maigari, and a host of others, collectively echoed their misgivings and that of the larger part of the State populace about the upcoming protest.
According to them, it has the huge potentials of compromising the peace and security of the country.
Governor Aliyu, speaking on behalf of the stakeholders which also featured Islamic
scholars, informed that Sokoto State has resolved to distance itself from the planned protest.
He stated that various stakeholders cutting across religion, Civil Society groupings, Labour Unions, Student bodies, and Community leaders have all registered their opposition to the protest.
Governor Aliyu insisted that instead of solving any problems, the protest march will lead to some unintended consequences that may serve as a serious set back to the country’s quest to pull itself out of the wood.
According to him, the protest move can potentially jeopardize national interest, development, security and the over all peaceful co-existence in the country.
“We in Sokoto have distanced ourselves and eschew all acts of lawlessness. Nigeria remains the only and loving country we belong to” he stated
While appreciating President Bola Tinubu for taking some bold steps towards arresting the current harsh economic situation, Governor Aliyu noted that the State Government has already embarked on several moves to improve the living conditions of the people.
The Sokoto State Governor particularly referred to the introduction of students loan scheme , the actualization of Local Council Autonomy, periodic support of States etc, as some of the sincere steps taken by the president to cushion the effects of the current hardship.
He, therefore, called for understanding on the part of Nigerians ,towards restoring normalcy to the system.
Both the South-east Leadership (as represented by the five Governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide) and Afenifere, have warned against the planned protest and emphasised it not in the interest of the Nation.
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