The Coalition of Northern Groups has urged the Federal government to review what it described as unfriendly economic policies, and intensify the ongoing war against banditry and other forms of insecurity, especially in the North.

They also called on the Northern State governments to as a matter of urgency, respond the yearning and aspirations of the local population through increased access to quality education, alleviate poverty, subsidised transportation and encourage youths to embrace agriculture as a means of livelihood and take them out of the streets.

The State Coordinator of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), in Zamfara State, Hussaini Hassan made the call during a press briefing in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital where he expressed concern over the protesters’ waving of the Russian flag and chanting anti-democratic songs, calling on the name of President Putin and the military to intervene in Nigeria.

The group believed that democracy in Nigeria has not served its primary objective, however said collective efforts are required from all Nigerians to make it work, therefore, Nigerians should not allow foreign actors to interfere in domestic protests to threaten the country’s sovereignty.

CNG acknowledged that the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies and the floating of the Naira by the Tinubu-led administration are responsible for the untold hardship being experienced in the country.

The group called on the protesters, community leaders, and security agencies to be patriotic and respect the rules of law as engaging in violence will further create division and stunt the country’s development.

The Coalition however condemned the confrontation between security agents and the protesters, and hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful protest to loot People’s valuables, as well as the infiltration of foreign agents into Nigeria’s affairs, saying this could undermine the objectives of the protest, and escalate violence and instability in the country. (Channels TV)

•Protesters hold a placard as they gather behind barbed wire during the End Bad Governance protest in Abuja on August 1, 2024. (Photo by Kola Sulaimon / AFP)

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