Former Chairman of Kalgo Local Government Area in Kebbi, Alhaji Umar Namashaya, has called on all youths across the state to shun all acts capable of threatening peace and security in the state.
Namashaya made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
He said the call was necessary in view of Monday’s peaceful protest, which turned violent, by some youth in the state.
“Constitution allows the conduct of peaceful protest but even if it allows the protest, there are some rules you have to adhere to before that.
“At least the security agencies must be contacted for them to provide backup or protection in the event it turns to another thing,” he said.
Namashaya noted that anything that would be detrimental to the peace in the state would affect their future negatively.
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“The government is not the one supplying electricity and is not the company; it only assists to ensure that power reaches the people,” he said.
The former council chairman condemned the violent protest, saying it was not the right way to show dislike for the government of the day or its policies and programmes.
“Our message for the youth is for them to be resolute, for them to desist from being used as part of unnecessary protest.
“They should even assist the government and the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company in making sure that consumers pay their bills.
“In that way they will help themselves, help the company and the government as well, but turning the protest to violence and destruction of government property is a negative way to express their concern.
“I am calling on young people to desist from this protest, rather they should look for ways to contribute to the government, so that everyone can reap the gains of our democracy,” Namashaya said.
NAN reports that some residents of Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi capital, took to the streets on Monday in protest over deteriorating power supply in the state. (NAN)