Akume’s peaceful disposition over Nationwide protest unprecedented—- N’Central youths

By David Odama

Youths under the umbrella Of North Central Integrity Forum with a membership of over 60,000 on Saturday described as unpresidented the role played by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume in ensuring that the nation was not plauge into another crisis situation.

Speaking at press conference in Lafia, the Convener, Joseph Maiwada said they role played by the SGF in order to calm the nerves of the Citizens to show understanding with the federal government in it’s efforts to address the needs of the citizens was worthy of commendation.

While acknowledging that there was hardship in the country, recognized the right of Nigerians to express themselves Maiwada said as much as these factors are important, there was need for restraint to give the government time to tackle the prevailing situations.

He lauded the efforts of the former Governor of Benue State, for persistent appeal to the youth in particular and other Nigerians to shelve the protest or conduct themselves to sustain the existing peace in the region and Nigeria at large.

Maiwada said, “The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume had appealed to notable youth groups and some pressure groups around the North Central zone of the country to shelve the protests, and assured us of the government’s commitment to better the welfare of the citizens.

“So, we decided to pacify our people to back down from embarking on the protests because the SGF has always stood with us and supported our course. Our decision was also to ensure that we all continue to live in peace and unity in the country.

“The North Central Integrity Forum, therefore wishes to pass a vote of confidence on the SGF for how he has carried the North Central along as one big united entity that is now more than ever ready to pursue its aspirations with a united front.”

While commending the youth groups in Benue, Kogi and Kwara States for backing out of the protest, Maiwada expressed urged the youths in other states of the region to retrieve their steps and conduct themselves to give the region and the entire nation the needed peace.

Maiwada, therefore, advised other organisers of the nationwide protesters to embrace dialogue rather than embarking on the protests which could negatively affect the lives and means of livelihoods of many citizens of the country as witnessed in some parts of the country.

“The North Central Integrity Forum wishes to urge all the stakeholders to embrace dialogue as the federal government had assured that they would address the several concerns raised by the citizens.

“We are confident in the assurances given by the SGF, and we thank him for the roles he has continued to play to maintain the existing peace in the North Central region of the country. We would therefore, want to use this opportunity to assure him of our loyalty and support at all times,” he added.