Katsina youth lament hardship, threaten to oppose Tinubu’s re-election
Katsina Youths under the aegis of Katsina Progressive Youths Alliance said it had endorsed the position of the Katsina Elders Forum, which has vowed to mobilise against President Tinubu’s re-election if he continues to persecute critics like Professor Usman Yusuf and fails to address the critical challenges such as insecurity, collapsed economy among others.
This threat is contained in a statement by the group’s spokesperson, Kabir Umar, and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Katsina.
The group also rejected the position taken by Justice Sadiq Abdullahi Mahuta, which dissociated him from the stance of the Katsina Elders Forum.
Arewa PUNCH learnt that Justice Mahuta dissociated himself from the Katsina Elders Forum’s earlier resolved to mobilise against President Tinubu if he persists on the path of failure and repression just as they reflect their unwavering commitment to patriotism and nation building as a people.
According to KPYA, “the Katsina Elders Forum was precisely the kind of leadership Nigerians need by leaders who prioritise the interests of the populace over political expediency.”
The statement read further in bits. “The KPYA finds it deeply troubling that Justice Mahuta has chosen to distance himself from the concerns raised by the KEF of which he is a part.
“Thus, KPYA is asking: Is Justice Mahuta satisfied with the current state of extreme poverty, rampant inflation, perpetual insecurity, constant electricity shortages, declining standards of education, and a crumbling healthcare system? Is he delighted with the Nigeria’s collapsing economy? Does he believe that these failures are acceptable or justified?
“By dissociating himself from the Forum’s position, is Justice Mahuta suggesting that despite all these failures, President Tinubu deserves another term in office just like that? Are we to understand that he condones the persecution of critics who dare to speak truth to power? If so, we must question whether such a stance aligns with the values of justice, fairness, and accountability that the people of Katsina hold dear.
“In contrast, the KEF has demonstrated remarkable courage and foresight in addressing the pressing issues confronting our nation,” the statement added.
Continuing, it pointed out, “The KPYA stands firmly behind the Forum’s position, and we believe that no leader should be granted a free pass to continue governing when their policies have led to widespread suffering and disillusionment. The time has come for us as a country when silence is no longer golden, and we must hold our leaders accountable for their actions or inactions.
“Nigeria today faces unprecedented challenges. Poverty levels are at an all-time high, inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of ordinary citizens, insecurity threatens lives and livelihoods, and basic amenities like electricity remain elusive.
“Education and healthcare systems are in shambles, leaving millions without access to quality services.
“The KPYA observes that instead of addressing these crises head-on, the current administration has resorted to silencing dissenting voices and ignoring the plight of the masses. The persecution of individuals like Professor Usman Yusuf exemplifies this disturbing trend.”
“Therefore, we call on all the people of Katsina and beyond that let us unite in demanding better governance, greater accountability, and meaningful reforms. Together, we must ensure that our voices are heard and that those in power understand they serve the people, not themselves.
“The Katsina Youths remains committed to promoting positive change and uplifting the lives of our people. We reject the notion that Nigeria’s struggles are inevitable or insurmountable. Instead, we choose hope, resilience, and action. We call on all stakeholders to join hands in building a brighter future for ourselves and future generations,” the statement concluded.
