From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Kaduna State Chapter, has condemned in the strongest terms the violent attacks against security agents and innocent civilians alike in the guise of the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Kaduna State Chapter Coordinator of CNG, Comrade Sa’adu Bako stated this in a statement made available to media in Kaduna today
The statement denounced that this is not what protests are meant to achieve, saying people must remember that arson and destruction of property can never replace constructive engagements but can only waste away their commonwealth through repairs and reconstruction.
The Coalition added that the destruction of public institutions, private investments, and physical harm to innocent citizens is tantamount to throwing the baby out with the bathwater. It is never the solution, it said.
“We renew our call to the parents and communities to take responsibility for building a decent society through instilling high moral standards in their children.
“This must be supported alongside societal reorientation to promote brotherhood and respect for constituted authority and uphold the rule of law.
“We are calling on the Kaduna State government to re-strategize and prioritize genuine investment in education particularly primary and secondary schools which provide the basis for further educational advancement.
“This must be consolidated with the establishment of skills acquisition centers that train youngsters on practical problem-solving skills that would contribute to addressing our societal challenges while earning a living and being responsible.
“In the same vein, the CNG also counsels all levels of government to cooperate and develop pragmatic mechanisms that portray transparent and accountable commitment through concrete steps to address the grievances of the people.
“We call on the appropriate authorities to ensure that not only those responsible for the violence are brought to justice but also the abhorrent culture of politicians using violence as a means of settling political disagreements must be checkmated objectively without fear or favor.
“The CNG is disturbed that the protest that was intended to be a simple instrument of expression of peoples’ frustration and a cry for help, has been sadly hijacked by groups and individuals with dangerous motives, particularly against Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria.
“The CNG makes it categorical that the level of destruction and arson witnessed in Kaduna is unacceptable.
“The sight of young boys deeply engrossed in the idea of the protest and breaking into shops and offices is a stark reminder of the challenge of out-of-school children in Kaduna, who are susceptible to recruitment by politicians with questionable motives into violent demonstrations. This is a ticking time bomb that requires urgent attention.” the statement reads.
