Don’t be used to foment trouble on Independence Day, YAF appeals to Nigerian Youths

The Yoruba Appraisal Forum, YAF has appealed to teeming Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used by some aggrieved Nigerians and failed politicians to foment trouble, especially on a day Nigeria celebrating its cherished freedom from colonial rule.

YAF made this appeal, Thursday in during a press conference in Lagos titled, “61st Independence Anniversary: Peaceful, united, prosperous Nigeria is YAF’s desire” said it is aware of plans by some aggrieved groups and individuals to violate the laws of the country on October 1, 2021, and from Monday, October 4, 2021, by carrying out illegal and unwarranted protests and so-called sit-at-home against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for whatever reasons best known to them and their sponsors.

Addressing the media,  the National Coordinator, Yoruba Appraisal Forum (YAF), Adeshina Animashaun warned that such protests are likely to result in violence and wanton destruction of lives and property, which the nation can ill-afford at a period all Nigerian citizens should be joyous and celebrating.

He said, “At this juncture, YAF, therefore, wants to appeal to aggrieved persons and groups to sheathe their swords and in the interest of Nigeria’s peace and unity, eschew agitations to dismember the country. We should all remember that decapitation is never the remedy for headache.

“It’s time for all Nigerians to embrace peace, join hands with fellow citizens to work for lasting peace and desired progress. Let’s, therefore, rather use tomorrow’s Independence Day celebrations to reflect on how to move our country forward and to greater heights. Let’s not make ourselves willing tools for the few aggrieved persons and groups who do not wish Nigeria well.

“Peace and righteousness do a great deal of good to any group of people and nations, and this YAF believes should continue to bind the conscience of every Nigerian, especially as the country clocks 61 tomorrow.

“We should, therefore, not give any room to unpatriotic persons to destroy the good legacies and country bequeathed to us by Nigeria’s founding fathers. We must strive to be among those superior characters to hold the balance of power to keep our great nation up to a high standard of civilization. Second-rate men and women must be effectively checked and kept at bay to save our dear fatherland from avoidable collapse.

“It is, therefore, important to once again remind us all here that our country can only be great again if we all reorient ourselves and reason together as Nigerians and not as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba; not as Northerners or Southerners, Muslims or Christians.

“For us in YAF, as a group of patriotic citizens, we’ll never waver in our consistent pursuit of a peaceful and united Nigeria.

“We also seize this opportunity to commend the international community for their consistent support for the unity and progress of our dear nation. In spite of the daunting challenges confronting Nigeria, they have remained on the side of her continued corporate existence under a peaceful atmosphere.

“As patriotic citizens, YAF therefore appeals to the international community to continue to give Nigeria all the necessary assistance to enable her to surmount the various challenges. We appeal for continued technical and material assistance to the nation’s security agencies so that the country will continue to record success in her crusade against terrorists and insurgents.”

While wishing Nigerians a peaceful celebrations, Animashaun maintained that no nation progresses in a chaotic atmosphere and under insecurity imposed by few aggrieved citizens.

“Therefore, it is only when we work together peacefully as a people and a united nation that Nigeria can move forward and get to our desired destination.”