As Nigeria celebrated its 64th Independence Anniversary, youths from Keffi Local Government Area in Nasarawa State held a solidarity rally on Tuesday in support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, distancing themselves from the ongoing protests across the country.
Under the banner “I Am Nigeria,” the youths expressed faith in President Tinubu’s leadership and urged Nigerians to remain patient as the government works to improve the nation’s situation.
Speaking to journalists, the group’s convener, Ibrahim Maiyanga, explained their choice to avoid protests was rooted in a commitment to maintaining peace in the state and the country at large.
“As responsible citizens, we chose not to join the protests. The painful memories of the 2020 EndSARS protests are still vivid for those who lost loved ones and livelihoods. We believe nationwide protests have done more harm than good,” Maiyanga stated.
He urged youth groups organizing protests to engage in dialogue with the federal government instead of actions that could lead to loss of lives and property.
“Today, we gather to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th Independence. While we may not be where we want to be, we are certainly not where we used to be. I urge all citizens to be patient with President Tinubu. I am confident that soon, we will all have reasons to smile,” he added.
Maiyanga also stressed the importance of unity and patience, assuring that both the federal and state governments are working to address the country’s issues. While supporting the right to peaceful protest, he expressed concern that demonstrations could be exploited by hoodlums, resulting in violence.
He noted that President Tinubu had only been in office for a year, inheriting a struggling economy and numerous challenges, and urged Nigerians to give him more time to steer the nation forward.
“The youths here today have shown great patriotism by choosing to celebrate instead of protest. We stand behind the government in delivering the dividends of democracy and call on all Nigerians to show loyalty, patience, and reject destructive paths. Protests are not the way forward,” he concluded.
