Youth Council Condemns Hijack of Protest By Hoodlums, Set up Taskforce To Clam Down On Those Vandalising Properties.

 

Youth Council Condemns Hijack of Protest By Hoodlums, Set up Taskforce To Clam Down On Those Vandalising Properties. 

*PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA CROSS RIVER STATE*

Fellow Cross Riverians,

This is indeed a difficult time not just for our state but for the entire Nation. We are gradually witnessing what could best be described as the "Hobbesian State" of affairs in Cross River State. The happenings in the state within the last few hours has become mindbogglingly inexplicable and totally unbecoming. Notwithstanding, together we can prevail and surmount this raging Storm.

For the past two weeks in Cross River State, our roads, streets and vicinities has unabatedly witnessed a genuine display of democratically enshrined protest, as youths and inhabitants of Cross River State flooded the street to express genuine grievances over the wanton proliferation in Police Brutality and unjudicial killings of Citizens by some unscrupulous elements in the Police Unit codenamed "SARS". This protest was obviously a genuine display of the sufferings of the people in the hands of those paid to protect life and properties. 

Expectedly, this protest culminated into an international concern with International communities and high profiled individuals across the globe lending credence to the necessity of the protest. Like every other Pro- democracy organization, the National Youth Council of Nigeria has continued to stand in solidarity with the people in the call to End SARS, Reform Police and End Police Brutality, but it is regrettable that a protest that was meant to redefine our collective existence as a people, was hijacked by hoodlums, that went on rampage, looting, burning and vandalizing both Government and Private Properties.

While we sympathize with the people and their plights, we make bold to say that Cross River State is never a state known for hooliganism and thuggery, hence we hereby condemn in totality the unwarranted destruction of properties witnessed in Calabar last night and up to the early hours of today. This act of criminality and unjustifiable vandalization is alien to our state and shouldn't be found in our state. 

I hereby call on the indigenous youths of Cross River State, Youths from other States, tribes and regions domiciled in Cross River State, to kindly abstain from the continuous looting and burning of both Government and Private Properties. We must understand that Cross River State belongs to us and we must endeavour to THINK CROSS RIVER STATE first and Protect our Properties. 

I call on the entire youths and inhabitants of cross River State to please refrain from further protest and give the Federal and State Government chance to address all the Concerns we have raised through our Protest. 

I call on the State Government to ensure the safety of lives and properties within Cross River State.

In view of the happenings, the National Youth Council of Nigeria Cross River State has expeditiously inaugurated a Taskforce Committee that will help clamp down on all hoodlums bent on vandalizing both government and private properties. We hereby advise all and sundry to remain calm and law abiding even as we prevail over this tempestuous moment.

God bless Cross River State!!

Build the Youths!

Build the Nation!

His Youthfulness,

Comrade Dan Obo Jnr.

(State Chairman)