Jolly Iyame, a former governor of Taraba State, asserted that the August 1 nationwide protest is a ruse to overthrow President Tinubu’s democratically elected government through a backdoor. He cautioned the youth against participating in the protest, stating that the consequences might be hard to control given the difficulties the nation faces.
Iyame made the assertion on Sunday at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Jalingo, while speaking to a group of Yoro youths and community leaders. He cautioned that the action would only make matters worse and put thousands of lives in jeopardy, pointing out that there is already a constitutional way to remove an unsatisfactory government—voting—rather than using brigandage and terrorism.
The former governor declared, “We are all aware of the plan by some Nigerians to vent their anger on the government by agreeing to a national protest or shutdown. I must admit that in view of certain policies and long-standing national issues, the government should take the blame for some of the problems affecting our nation.
“However, we as Nigerians must examine our actions in the face of this unfortunate situation, to see whether or not we have contributed positively or otherwise in our various walks of life, to this situation.
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“Whereas every Nigerian has the right to complain or protest against bad governance, the language employed by the planners is threatening, divisive and clearly aims at removing a democratically elected government.
“For this reason, I must warn you against joining the so-called National citizens protest being planned against the Government under the guise of advocating for good governance.”
“As you all know, Yoro is a peaceful and hard-working nation, with the people engaged in various noble means of livelihood, like farming. Indeed, we are among the largest producers of yams and other food items in Nigeria. We are not an idling society in which people engage in all types of vices for survival. We have no time to waste in a national protest that can only promote destruction.”
