A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) and frontline aspirant for the Chairmanship position of Obanliku Local Government Area, Chief Sunday Ayang has advised youths to shelve the proposed nationwide protest billed to commence today, Thursday, August 1, 2024, and engage in dialogue with government representatives.
Chief Sunny Ayang who spoke during an interface with a group of youths in Obanliku noted that engaging in any form of protest at this time will be an ill wind that will not be beneficial to the people of Obanliku.
He admitted the fact that hardship and hunger were indeed biting hard on Nigerians, he however pointed out that the best way forward is to have a positive and robust engagement with representatives of government, critical stakeholders, leaders of thought and other meaningful unions.
He highlighted that the youths should think of measures they can collaborate with the government towards tackling unemployment, insecurity, poor infrastructure and a decaying educational system.
He further admonished the youths not to join the protest, emphasising that it was anti-progressive and anti-developmental. He took a reminiscence on the 2020 #EndSARS protest which led to the loss of lives, vandalisation and looting of private and government properties, and businesses. “We are yet to recover from these losses and we can’t afford to experience such a negative trend any longer.”
He concluded that “the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu has a listening ear and he is already doing everything possible towards ensuring Obanliku people and the state at large enjoys democratic dividends. So far, his intervention includes payment of 2024 WAEC fees, road construction and rehabilitation, release of funds for settlement of outstanding gratuities, payment of grants, etc. He will do more to assuage hardship, let’s give him some time. “
