The Ebonyi State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria has called on security agencies to investigate the sponsors and financiers of a recent protest in Abuja against the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru and prosecute any individual found to have committed an offence.
The council, in a communiqué signed by its State Chairman, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, and other members of the state executive, specifically urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other competent authorities to establish the organisers, sources of funding and interests behind the demonstration.
The NYCN said the investigation should determine whether political, commercial or other vested interests were involved in the mobilisation, as well as verify whether those who spoke in the name of Ebonyians had any legitimate mandate to do so.
The council’s demand followed a reported Abuja protest led by Mr Charles Otu against the Nwifuru administration.
While acknowledging the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and lawful protest, the youth body warned that such rights must be exercised within the limits of the law.
The council said peaceful protest should not be used as a vehicle for “character assassination, political manipulation, incitement, impersonation, misinformation or the disruption of public peace.”
It stated, “Where credible evidence establishes criminal wrongdoing, the Council urges the appropriate authorities to identify, investigate and prosecute the perpetrators in accordance with due process and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, irrespective of their political affiliation, social status or geographical location.”
The NYCN, however, stressed that its position was not a call for arbitrary punishment or persecution, but for facts, accountability, due process and the rule of law.
The council also demanded that the security agencies ascertain the authenticity of claims allegedly made on behalf of Ebonyians and determine whether any laws were breached before, during or after the protest.
It expressed concern over what it described as attempts by individuals or groups operating outside the state to portray themselves as representatives of Ebonyi youths or the wider population without a verifiable mandate.
“No individual or self-appointed group should appropriate the collective identity of Ebonyi youths or citizens for undisclosed political or personal interests,” the council said.
The youth body further cautioned against the use of unrecognised unions, associations or platforms to make sweeping allegations capable of misleading the public or undermining confidence in the state’s institutions.
On the Nwifuru administration, the NYCN said it recognised the government’s constitutional mandate and its programmes under the People’s Charter of Needs, particularly in youth development, education, infrastructure, human capital development, empowerment, healthcare and security.
It nevertheless maintained that legitimate criticism of government remained permissible in a democratic society.
“The NYCN Ebonyi State Chapter does not oppose legitimate criticism of government or the peaceful expression of genuine grievances,” the communiqué stated.
The council challenged those behind the protest who claimed to represent Ebonyians to publicly identify their organisation, demonstrate their mandate and substantiate their allegations with verifiable evidence.
It also warned political actors against allegedly recruiting or manipulating young people for activities capable of generating confrontation, division or instability.
The NYCN urged Ebonyi youths to verify information before participating in demonstrations or political activities purportedly organised in their collective interest.
It appealed to the public and media organisations to exercise restraint and avoid drawing premature conclusions until the facts surrounding the protest are established.
The council urged the media to maintain accuracy, fairness, balance and verification in reporting allegations capable of affecting public order or the reputation of individuals and institutions.
The NYCN said it remained committed to peace, unity, responsible youth participation and constructive engagement, adding that it would cooperate with lawful investigations into the Abuja protest.
It urged the relevant authorities to follow the evidence and, where violations of the law are established, ensure appropriate accountability in accordance with due process.
“Ebonyi is our home. Its peace is our responsibility. Its development is our collective duty,” the council stated.
