Northern Groups Condemn UND’s Call for Protests, Urge International Action
Members of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the National Emancipation Network (NEN) have strongly criticized the recent threats of street protests by the United Nigerians in the Diaspora (UND) calling for the resignation of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima, and NEN Chairman, Suleiman Abbah, have both issued statements condemning the threats, describing them as a sponsored plot to undermine the progress made by INEC and the democratic stability of Nigeria. They urged Nigerians to resist this malicious attempt.
Shettima expressed concern over what he described as a wider agenda to discredit Nigerian institutions and reverse the positive developments achieved under the Bola Tinubu administration. He emphasized the need to defend democracy and protect the reputation of those working towards free and fair elections.
The northern groups criticized individuals in the diaspora for using foreign platforms to spread hate and incite discord against Nigeria. They called on the international community to prevent their territories from being used for such purposes.
Both AYCF and NEN highlighted the laws in the United Kingdom and the United States that prohibit hate speech and incitement of violence. They expressed disappointment that no action has been taken by these countries against the threats made by UND.
Shettima stressed that if the situation were reversed, and a US citizen called for protests against the US on Nigerian soil, the reaction would be different. He called on Nigeria’s international partners to uphold the principles of friendship and mutual respect.
The groups urged the international community to take a stand against UND’s threats and uphold peace, unity, and mutual respect. They emphasized the need for Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to denounce such acts and uphold democratic values.
In conclusion, AYCF and NEN emphasized the importance of standing firm in support of INEC and the democratic process. They called on Nigerians to reject attempts to sow division and chaos and strive for a Nigeria built on integrity, fairness, and justice for all.
TheGuardian News
