A coalition of youth groups in Kebbi have exempted themselves from the #EndBadGovernance protests slated to begin on August 1.

More than 100 youth associations trooped to Government House, Birnin Kebbi, in solidarity with President Bola Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris on Sunday.

The youths also affirmed their loyalty to the administration at both state and federal levels.

Leader of the groups, Muhammad Adamu-Kichinga, said, “The situation in the country is surmountable with time. We should continue to pray for leaders to facilitate the attainment of a better nation.

“Our amenable Governor Idris has achieved records of success in the transformation of Kebbi in all sectors of human endeavour. We must support him to take us to the promised land.

“We are here to reaffirm our loyalty and cooperation to your administration and forward the same to Mr President, and we remain supportive of your government.”

Responding, the Kebbi governor stated, “My administration will continue to evolve more ways of youths and women empowerment towards making them self-reliant and gainfully employed. We thank all of you for your solidarity and understanding. The scheduled protest is unwarranted. 

“We are happy that youths in Kebbi, exempted yourselves from this misadventure. No development is possible without peace. We shall make everything humanly possible to address the challenges facing the populace.

“What is on the ground in Kebbi is a testimony of the giant strides achieved by the incumbent government to transform the state for a better life.”

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, described government and governance as a work in progress, saying Mr Tinubu’s governance was on the right way to uplifting the living conditions of all Nigerians.

“Your solidarity reinforces confidence in leaders. Governor Idris in Kebbi has been the shining light of development. He has performed remarkably well. Kebbi is a state of peace. You must sustain the tempo,” said Mr Bagudu. “Do not allow detractors, local and foreign, to use you to create discord in the country, no problem is without solution, Nigeria will prosper.”

The minister added, “We thank you all for showing solidarity with the government. We are happy that you have realised the planned protest is ill-conceived and diversionary for ulterior purposes; shun such a path of infamy.” 

(NAN)