The Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development has announced its support for the upcoming nationwide peaceful protest scheduled from August 1 to August 10, 2024.

The non-profit organisation, which focuses on promoting peace, unity, and development in Nigeria’s northern states, emphasised the importance of peaceful protests as a means of advocating for change.

“Protest is a fundamental right enshrined in our constitution. It serves as a powerful tool for citizens to voice their grievances, demand accountability, and push for positive reforms. The peaceful protests taking place across Nigeria are a testament to the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people to create a better future for themselves and their children,” the group’s Secretary of the Rebuild Arewa Initiative Salisu Nani Zigau said.

The organisation highlighted the unique significance of the protests in the Northern region, which has historically faced numerous challenges such as poverty, insecurity, and a lack of basic amenities.

“The Northern region has long struggled with issues such as poverty, insecurity, Boko Haram, out-of-school children, and a lack of basic amenities,” Zigau noted. “This protest provides an opportunity for Northern citizens to come together, express their demands for better governance, and advocate for policies that will uplift their communities and improve their quality of life.”

Zigau called on all protest organizers and participants to maintain peaceful and orderly conduct during the demonstrations. He also urged the government, security agencies, and civil society organizations to respect the rights of citizens to freely express their grievances.

“We are calling for the organizers and participants of the protest to maintain peaceful and orderly conduct,” he said. “We urge all stakeholders, including the government, security agencies, and civil society organizations, to respect the rights of citizens to freely express their grievances and engage in peaceful protest.”

The Rebuild Arewa Initiative also appealed to government authorities to heed the voices of the people and address their concerns.

“As an organization committed to the development of the Arewa region, we call on government authorities to listen to the voices of the people, address their concerns, and work towards building a more inclusive and prosperous Northern Nigeria,” Zigau emphasised. “Let us seize this moment to come together as a nation, unite in our diversity, and strive towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.”