Borno Leaders Stand Firm: Over 15 Stakeholders Reject National Protests Amid Economic Strains
By Tada Jutha
Over 15 stakeholders in Borno State have pledged not to join the national protests over economic hardships and the removal of fuel subsidies.
The stakeholders, comprising state and local government employees, civil society organisations (CSOs), the Nigerian Army, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and traditional and religious leaders, said: “We’ve all agreed today before Governor Babagana Zulum not to join the forthcoming national protest slated for August 1–10, 2024.”
They warned that the planned protests in the country may lead to unnecessary attacks, vandalism with the looting of shops, and harassment of motorists and pedestrians.
The stakeholders made the pledges yesterday (Wednesday) in Maiduguri, while Governor Babagana Zulum was addressing the stakeholders on the planned national protests over economic hardships and the recent removal of fuel subsidies.
His words: “Let me start by thanking you all, being the stakeholders in the state and representatives of our communities, flag-bearers of clubs, and associations, for honouring our invitation to grace this important occasion.
“We convened this meeting to reflect on the trajectory of peacebuilding in the state in view of our recent violent history and our concerted efforts to build back and better.”
Zulum said that the state government, under his leadership, has taken bold steps to rebuild and develop the structures of our society instead of embarking on a national protest over economic hardships and the removal of fuel subsidies.
Besides, the governor added, “We bear the mandate of our people on our heads and shoulders in providing them with the dividends of democracy, good governance, and development.
“We shall remain committed to our oath of office and diligently use today’s opportunity to express our deep and eternal gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for providing leadership and guidance to our
nation, and to our defence and security forces for their sacrifices,
including paying the supreme price, to ensure security in the state and the country at large.
He noted that the military, security agencies, and other stakeholders stood firm as the federal and state governments continued to work assiduously to eliminate the Boko Haram terrorists and restore peace and democracy.
He, therefore, declared that the Boko Haram Insurgency is in its final days.
Explaining that “most of the initial crop of warmongers have either died or fizzled out.” Adding that the insurgency itself has metamorphosed from a platform for violent extremism seeking to challenge the legitimacy of the state,
Zulum also called on the stakeholders, including the military, CSOs, NURTW, youths, and traditional and religious leaders, to redeem their pledges for the forthcoming nation-wide protest over economic hardships.
