The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, has issued an appeal to the youth of Nigeria, urging them to resist the temptation of being manipulated into causing chaos in the country.
This appeal comes amidst the high tension across the nation as everyone awaits the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, scheduled for today, Wednesday. There are concerns that protests might erupt if the tribunal’s decision doesn’t align with the expectations of certain individuals.
Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are calling for the Tribunal to nullify President Bola Tinubu’s victory. On the other hand, members of Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) argue that his victory was well-earned and should be upheld.
In a statement released to the press on Tuesday, the National President of the Ohanaeze Youth group, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, implored the youth not to be swayed by politicians.
Okwu pointed out that there are indications that politicians may try to “recruit youths as usual to protest the outcome of the judgment.” He cautioned the youth against becoming willing instruments in the hands of desperate politicians, emphasizing that such politicians tend to forget about the youth once their goals are achieved.
He also reminded the youth that the Appeal Court’s decision is not final and that the Supreme Court will have the ultimate say in the matter. Additionally, he called upon security agencies to prioritize the protection of citizens and refrain from harassing or harming any Nigerians during this period of heightened tension.