Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders Announces Solidarity March for President Tinubu Amidst Nationwide Protests Against Economic Hardship

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), representing youth groups across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, has announced a nationwide solidarity march in support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, scheduled for August 1 to August 10, 2024. This move comes as a counteraction to the widespread protests planned by many Nigerians against the government over the current economic hardship and hunger gripping the nation.

In a statement, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, CONYL’s National President, and Junaid Abubakar, the National Publicity Secretary, emphasized the need for patience and support for President Tinubu’s efforts to restore the nation’s glory, despite the visible economic challenges. They urged the public to tolerate the current situation, insisting that positive changes are on the horizon.

“The act of governance is not a magic show where what we expect just happens immediately at the same time for viewers on the show,” the statement read. “Governance demands we show some patience and tolerance by all waiting for our expected good results.”

They reassured that President Tinubu is implementing various policies and programs that will eventually yield beneficial results for the country. The coalition urged Nigerian youths to avoid protests that could be exploited by criminals to commit acts of looting and destruction, implying that their march is a more constructive form of expression.

“Though protest is the right of citizens in a democratic setting, now is the wrong time to engage in such activities given the current situation,” the statement continued. “We appeal to all aggrieved youths to shun any form of protest and join us in the solidarity march in the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, from August 1 to August 10, 2024, in support of our nation headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

While the solidarity march is positioned as a patriotic show of support, it is evident that it serves as a sponsored counteraction to the majority of Nigerians expressing their discontent with the government’s handling of the economic crisis.