You could recall the planned #EndSARS protest organized by coalition of civil society organizations in Kogi State slated for Monday 19th October, 2020 to add the voice of Kogi state youths to the ongoing global movement for a secured future of the Nigerian youth devoid of molestation, harassment and extortion which I promoted based on shared interest as a Nigerian youth leader.
I decided to be a part of it in the interest of the Nigerian Youth who are so much battered and bullied by the disbanded police unit called Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). I felt I could be a party to it while here in Lokoja before returning to Abuja, my base.
To my bewilderment, I started receiving calls from friends, especially those from government demanding explanations regarding the protest. More interestingly this evening, the calls increased and on social media, my name was in circulation for organizing anti-government protest.
As a youth leader, I wish to state categorically that it is unfortunate that our lots in Kogi State turned out this way. It is unfortunate that all that is good will have to be politicized by few to earn the recognition of politicians. It is unfortunate that we will have to lick boots to scuttle our own voice. It is unfortunate that my life and that of my family will have to be an object of negotiation for a protest that is to our interest.
It is on this sad note that I, Amb. Oladele John Nihi is announcing my withdrawal from the #EndSARS protest slated for tomorrow so that the peacefully will not be labeled as a political sponsored one. I decided this not for the threat of my life and that of my family but for the sake of the Kogi State youth and by extension the Nigerian youth.
I will not allow my participation to scuttle your voices.
I wish you all a very peaceful and fruitful outing tomorrow.
– Amb. Oladele John Nihi
Commissioner for Youth Political Participation, PYU