The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta region, High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has cautioned Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be manipulated into unpatriotic activities in the name of protest as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a youth-friendly leader who had appointed several youths to serve in different capacities in his government.

This was contained in a press release issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Mr Igoniko Oduma, when Dr. Otuaro received a delegation of frontline youth leaders under the auspices of over 60 youth organisations led by the president of the Nigeria Youth Organization, Duke Alamboye, in Abuja, on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

The youth bodies include the National Youth Congress, Arewa Youth Council, Yoruba Youth Council, Ohaneze Youth Council, South-South Advocate, Niger Delta Coalition, the Nigeria Nexus, Youth Parliament of Nigeria, Green Africa Youth Initiative, Youth Foundation for Non-Violence in Nigeria, Niger Delta Youth Parliament, National Association of Nigerian Students, Youth Empowerment for Peace and Security, among others.

Earlier, Alamboye, during the meeting, declared that their members will not participate in the rumoured national protest being planned by some persons and groups for October 1 against the administration of President Tinubu, buy that they would work together with a network of other youth groups to ensure that Nigerian youths were not misled into taking part in any ill-advised protest against the Tinubu administration.

He disclosed plans of the youth group to embark on a series of activities in the days ahead, including a world press conference and a youth summit, to sensitize Nigerians on the need to shun any demonstration in the country, just as he urged youths to embrace constructive dialogue and to explore available channels of engagement with the government in expressing their views.

He said, "Concerning the state of the nation, we are not unaware of the agitation from certain quarters calling for a nationwide protest on October 1, 2024. It is a protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government.

"As youth leaders and lovers of peace and national advancement, the Nigeria Youth Organization would like to inform you of our plan and intention to hold a world press conference on the 23rd of September, 2024, geared towards sensitizing the average Nigerian youth on the need to shun the planned protest.

"We want people to seek dialogue as a better reconciliation tool for venting their grievances. We also hope to organise a summit on October 1st, 2024, as a follow-up to the world press conference. We anticipate that all well-meaning stakeholders will play vital roles in charting a better cause for our youths," he added.

The youth leader who stated that they were solidly behind Tinubu and the PAP Boss, congratulated Dr. Otuaro on his appointment and commended the President for putting a square peg in a square hole.

In his response, Dr. Otuaro thanked the youth groups for their decision and support for Tinubu, and said, "Mr. President means well for the country. It is reassuring to know that Nigerian youths are with Mr President, who has been in office for a little over a year.

"As youths, we should organise ourselves and present our grievances and concerns through constructive dialogues. Nobody should manipulate you to achieve their ulterior goals. Most of those championing the so-called protest are only seeking attention and they thrive under the guise of anti-government protests to get attention. Youths should be watchful," he warned.

The Administrator praised the youth leaders for dissociating themselves from any planned protest, and stressed that the president needs more time for the benefits of his people-oriented reforms, policies, and programmes to manifest.

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