There Is Need For Calm Amidst Violent Protests – CNG

Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) had said that there is Need for Calm Amidst Violent Protests in Zamfara State.

We have notice, Over the past few days, the CNG has been monitoring development across the 19 northern states in respect of the national peaceful protest, which began on August 1, 2024.

 The CNG recognised the constitutional rights of Nigerians to assemble and protest peacefully. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) allows citizens to peacefully protest and demand accountability, transparency, and good governance.

In the last three days, what began as a peaceful protest in northern states has tragically degenerated into violence, particularly in Kano, Kaduna, and Jigawa states, among others. Public and private properties were destroyed; shops and stores were looted; hundreds of protesters and security personnel sustained various injuries; and many people lost their lives.

In Zamfara State, the last three days of the protest were peaceful, devoid of harassment, and maltreatment of protesters by security agents deployed to ensure their safety and prevent the infiltration of criminal elements.

 Three days ago, we observed young men and women’s procession through the various routes of the state’s capital, escorted by the security agents.

However, on Monday, August 5, 2024, the protest took on a different dimension. We noticed the infiltration of criminal elements who manipulate the protesters (mostly underage) and trigger violence.

But we observed that  “the criminal elements succeeded in hijacking the peaceful protest and subsequently making it violent”.

Subsequently, many protesters sustained serious injuries; public and private properties were destroyed; businesses, public offices, and schools were shut down. This dire situation makes this moment critical in the history of Zamfara State.

We all notice that from the beginning, the peaceful protest was a testament to the citizens’ right to voice their concerns.

However, as tensions rise between the protesters and security agents and hoodlums hijack the peaceful protest for personnel gains, the CNG feels that it is essential to issue this press statement, clarify issues as they unfold, and call for calm and restraint.

Zamfara State has long been a beacon of resilience amidst adversity, and if the current violent protest persists, it may threaten the fragile peace in the states and trigger another cycle of insecurity. In light of this, we urgently appeal to all parties involved to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement to air their grievances.

Our collective response to this situation will determine not only the immediate resolution but also the long-term stability and unity of our dear state.

In light of Monday’s events in Zamfara, where a peaceful protest has regrettably turned violent,  and given the fragile state of peace in the state, it is crucial that we prioritise dialogue and non-violence to achieve the peace and security our dear states desire.

The Infiltration of Foreign Agents and the Need for Stakeholders to Exhibit Patriotism

The CNG has noticed that some of the protesters in Zamfara State were flying foreign flags, chanting anti-democratic songs, and calling on President Putin of Russia and the military to intervene in Nigeria’s governance.

 We believe that democracy has not served its primary purpose, but our collective will and determination can make it work.

Allowing foreign actors to interfere in domestic protests threatens the sovereignty of our country. It may compromise Nigeria’s ability to manage internal affairs independently and diminish the legitimacy of our governance structures. Protecting our sovereignty is essential to maintaining national integrity and ensuring that decisions affecting our people are made by our own leaders and institutions.

The infiltration of foreign agents and governments into Nigeria’s affairs could undermine the genuine grievances of the protesters and distort the objectives of the protests.

The CNG also believes that the involvement of foreign agents can escalate tensions, leading to increased violence and instability, particularly in Zamfara State.

 External parties may have their own strategic interests, and their actions could escalate the current insecurity in the state.

The CNG appeals to all stakeholders to remain vigilant against the infiltration of foreign actors and ensure that the protests reflect the genuine will of our people and are conducted within the framework of the law.

Economic Realities and the Way Forward

The CNG acknowledged that the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, the floating of the naira, and inflation have collectively caused untold hardship to the masses, particularly in the north.

The majority of the people are increasing becoming poorer due to the continued devaluation of the naira, insecurity, and unfavourable government economic policies of the federal government.

We also recognise that improving the security and welfare of the northern populace is the responsibility of not just the federal but the respective northern state governments.

While we urge the federal government to review its unfriendly economic policies and intensify the war against banditry and other forms of insecurity across the north, we call on the northern state governments to, as a matter of urgency, respond to the yearning and aspirations of the local population by increasing access to quality education, poverty alleviation, subsidise transport, encourage and support our teeming youth to embrace agriculture as a means of livelihood.

  Conclusion

In the last ten years, Zamfara has faced numerous challenges, and the collective effort to rebuild and maintain peace is our collective responsibility. It is imperative that we do not let this violent protest undermine our collective desire for peace and security.

As we navigate this critical period, we call upon all stakeholders—including protestors, community leaders, and security forces to adhere to principles of patriotism and respect for the rule of law. We must all recognise that the strength of our state lies in our unity and our ability to address our grievances through peaceful means.

We urge the public to remain calm and to support efforts aimed at restoring order. Engaging in violence will only deepen divisions and delay the progress we strive for. Instead, let us channel our energies into constructive dialogue and collaborative solutions that honour the principles of democracy and human dignity.

Our shared commitment to peace and patriotism is the bedrock upon which a brighter future for Zamfara can be built. Together, let us reaffirm our dedication to these values and work towards a harmonious resolution to the current situation.