The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) is mobilizing Nigerians for a peaceful protest on October 1, Independence Day.
The Director, Public Communications of the council, Hussaini Shuaibu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna.
Shuaibu explained that sections 38-42 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee the rights of the citizens to free association, expression of views, and mobilisation.
These inalienable rights, Shuaibu said, as captured by the founding fathers of Nigeria, were deliberately made to check the excesses of those who may be trusted with power to isolate themselves in ivory tow.
He, therefore, said in the exercise of the fundamental rights of citizens, NYCN is prepared and committed to ensuring that the government is held accountable to its people.
The director emphasized that the protests of August 1-10, 2024 were an indicator of the level of displeasure that exist in the polity of the government and its policies.
Shuaibu recalled that in response to the demands made by the protesters, the government promised to address the issues raised.
He, however, lamented that two months later, the issues are still lingering and even more aggravated.
That, he said, is why the NYCN is compelled to act, knowing too well that Northerners are worst impacted by the phenomena.
“As such, we are mobilizing and sensitizing the people to come out and continue to protest peacefully, the unbearable hardship until the government agrees to act responsibly and respond to the issues promptly and decisively.
“We are mobilizing to ensure the fundamental right of the people is exercised in line with the mandate of the constitution which places the responsibility of citizen welfare and safety on the government.
“Since the government seemed overwhelmed by these responsibilities, it is our duty to prick their consciences and ensure we have a better Nigeria that we all can be proud of,” Shuaibu said.