The Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA) has called for strategic measures and grassroots youth dialogue ahead of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
The Executive Director of YIAVHA, Jacob Choji Pwakim, in a statement issued in Jos on Tuesday 30th July said the organization recognizes the severe hunger and hardship faced by Nigerians and aligns with the President, State Governors, and the masses in acknowledging these challenges.
In accordance with sections 39, 40, and 45 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, YIAVHA emphasizes the need for inclusive civic engagement, particularly with the youth. The organization stresses that merely engaging older citizens deepens the grievances of young people, creating an impression of intergenerational conflict rather than fostering opportunities for dialogue.
YIAVHA urges state governors, members of state and national assemblies, and local government chairs to actively engage with the youth to aggregate their grievances and present them to higher authorities for strategic consideration. This approach aims to maintain peace and uphold the fundamental human rights of citizens.
Additionally, YIAVHA advises state governments to direct health ministries to provide adequate first aid treatment during protests, emphasizing the importance of government presence and support for the well-being of citizens, even during disagreements with government policies.
Commending the intelligence efforts of Nigerian security, particularly the Plateau State Police Command, YIAVHA acknowledges their role in tracking individuals making inciting statements on social media that could disrupt peaceful protests. The organization calls for the deployment of skilled security personnel to protect protesters and ensure their safety.
YIAVHA appeals to citizens to exercise their fundamental human rights civilly and avoid infringing on the rights of others. The organization highlights the importance of coordination during protests to prevent any regression in state development, citing the negative impact of miscreants during the #EndSARS protests due to the absence of professional security personnel.
In conclusion, YIAVHA urges all Nigerians to uphold truth and justice, live in brotherhood regardless of differences, and strive to hand over a nation without stains to future generations, as professed in the National Anthem.