A former governor of Taraba State, Jolly Iyame has claimed that the planned nationwide protest on August 1 is a plot to remove the democratically elected government through the back door.
Iyame made the claim on Sunday while addressing a gathering of Yoro youths and community leaders at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Jalingo.
He warned the youths against joining the nationwide protest, insisting that the outcome may be difficult to contain, considering the challenges facing the country.
The former governor said, “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.
“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.”
He warned that the action can only worsen the situation and endanger the lives of thousands of people, pointing out that there is already a constitutional means of removing a bad government through the ballot box and not brigandage and terrorism.
“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,” he added.