In a plea to the youth of Cross River State, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, has urged them to steer clear of the upcoming national protests scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024.
Expressing his concerns, Ayambem highlighted that resorting to violence during the protest would not serve the state well, warning that it could only worsen existing challenges.
Speaking during a session on Tuesday in Calabar, the state capital, Ayambem reassured the public of the 10th State Assembly’s commitment to addressing citizens’ grievances and passing laws for the common good.
Recognizing Governor Bassey Otu’s dedication to meeting the people’s needs, Ayambem rallied the youth to rally behind the leadership of the state governor, whom he hailed as the “governor of the people,” stressing the significance of open dialogue and peaceful interaction.
“Our state holds immense promise, and it falls upon us, the younger generation, to tap into these potentials and bring about positive transformations.
“Through collaboration and nurturing a sense of solidarity, we can establish an environment where possibilities flourish, and every individual can prosper,” remarked Ayambem.
Highlighting the adverse enduring effects of past protests, Ayambem urged the youth to engage in constructive conversations with the government instead of resorting to unrest.
“The repercussions of earlier protests continue to cast negative shadows on us till today. It would be imprudent to compound the situation with more unrest at a time when we are still recovering from past upheavals,” Ayambem emphasized.
The speaker also underscored to the youth that the state’s resilience and unity are its strengths, urging them to stand united, uphold the leadership, and strive diligently to surmount challenges through peaceful means.