Naira Scarcity: Don’t Involve In Destructive Protest – Aguebor Urges Edo Youth
…Urges govt to set up committee to investigate into the shootings that led to loss of lives
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Caretaker Committee of the Edo State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN) has appealed to all youths in the State to halt the ongoing violent protest which has led to disruption of business activities across the Benin metropolis.
Recall yesterday February 15, some hoodlums took the advantage of naira scarcity in the country barricaded some streets in Benin metropolis, attacked and destroyed some banks facilities included Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Point of Sales Shops (POS), street lights and other government properties in the state.
Addressing newsmen in Benin City, the State capital, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Comrade Peter Aguebor say NO to any protest capable of being hijacked by hoodlums and avoid the repeat of the horrible experience of hijack during the #EndSARs protest in Edo State.
“Having had reports of current happenings in the State, we the umbrella body of the Nigerian Youths (National Youth Council of Nigeria) (NYCN), Edo State Chapter say NO to any protest capable of being hijacked by hoodlums and avoid the repeat of the horrible experience of hijack during the #EndSARs protest in Edo State.
“While we decry the continues scarcity of the new Naira notes, I appeal to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele to immediately disburse more new Naira notes into circulation as directed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammandu Buhari on his Nationwide broadcast this morning 16th February 2023 mandating the apex bank to immediately make the old N200 Naira notes available for use till 10th April, 2023 to alleviate the sufferings of citizens,” he said.
Going further, Comrade Peter Aguebor said that the people should not be put in a state of discomfort and hardship like the masses are currently facing, added that government policies should be people-oriented.
“As the authoritative voice of the Youths in Edo, we hereby call on all Youths in Edo State to remain calm and peaceful.
“We wish to condemn the riot that was witnessed across the city centre yesterday Wednesday 15, which led to disruption of business activities, destruction of banking faculty which includes buildings, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), cars of individuals, Point of Sales Stands popularly known as POS etc.
“And for those that sustained injuries and the 3 youths that lost their lives, we sympathize with their families and appeal for calm as violence is not an option I conflict resolution and call on the Governor of Edo State using the relevant security agencies to carry out an investigation into the shootings that led to their death. We demand that the families be visited and the needful be done.
“We call on all our peace loving Edo State Youth not to engage in riots or protest that is not peacefully organized or that has the tendency to lead to unrest in the state.
“We also use this medium to call on the Security agencies in Edo State to be civil in the discharge of their duties while protecting lives and properties of all Edo State citizens,” he said.
