As Nigeria prepares to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day on Wednesday, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has deplored reported plans by some groups to disrupt the event by instigating chaos and violence.
 
In a statement, yesterday, by its President General Yerima Shettima, in Kaduna, the group condemned any form of protest or demonstration intended to disrupt the peace and stability of the country, particularly on the June 12 Democracy Day when the nation commemorates its hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy.
 
Shettima said: “The AYCF believes that any disturbance could undermine the significance of this symbolic day, and therefore strongly condemns any form of protest or demonstration that seeks to disrupt the peace and stability of our country, especially on a day as significant as Democracy Day.
 
“As a youth organisation committed to the advancement and unity of our nation, we believe that peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement are the most effective tools for driving positive change and progress.”

While acknowledging the legitimacy of peaceful protests as a form of expression, Shettima warned that “when such activities escalate into violence, it undermines the very principles of democracy that is being celebrated.”
 
“Though protest and demonstration are legitimate, when these activities escalate into violence, destruction of property, and endangering of lives, they no longer serve their intended purpose and instead it undermines the very democracy we seek to uphold,” he noted.
 
Addressing the importance of Democracy Day, Shettima harped “On a day like Democracy Day when we commemorate the hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy in our country, it is particularly important to uphold the values of peace, unity, and progress”, stressing: “Disrupting the peace and stability of our nation on such a significant day only detracts from the achievements and sacrifices of those who fought for our democracy.”
 
He urged Nigerians “to use this day for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity.”  To ensure the celebration proceeds without incident, Shettima advised the government to take decisive action against troublemakers.