The Kebbi State Government has appealed to the youths, civil servants and other concerned citizens in the state to shun the planned nationwide protest in the interest of peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.
Addressing a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, the State Head of Civil Service (HoS), Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena observed that the planned protest would be a stumbling block to the dividends of democracy being enjoyed across the state.
According to him, participating in the planned protest will not speak well of the state in view of the chain of developmental projects embarked upon by the state government under the Kauran Gwandu-led administration.
He said: “Kebbi State Government has started a good work in the last one year. So, the youths should not draw the hand of the clock back under the disguise of a protest.”
The head of service expressed fear that the protest may be highjacked by hoodlums and other destructive elements for their own egocentric interests.
Bena said: “These unpatriotic elements will hijack the protest for their own personal aggrandisement.
“The Federal and Kebbi State Governments have recorded tremendous achievements in one year and this development should not be jeopardised.”
According to Bena, such achievements included infrastructure like roads, completion of secondary schools and health facilities among others.
“These are laudable projects which should be safeguarded not destroyed,” he added.
The HOS, however acknowledged that it was a constitutional right of citizen to engage in peaceful demonstration.
He, however, observed that it was unconstitutional to use it for selfish reason, violence and or destructive tendencies.
“Therefore, the youths should be cautious so as not to cause any havoc and infringe on anybody’s right.
“The general public should be cautious in the above direction.
“Problems should be solved through peaceful and constructive means’, he advised.
