Northern youth groups have thanked Bar Jesutega Onokpasa for adding his voice in support of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The groups, notably the Northern Youth Movement for Good Governance and Democratic Values and the North Central Progressive Voice, joined forces in what they termed the “Northern Nigeria Solidarity Walk and World Press Conference,” converged in Sokoto on Wednesday meeting stakeholders as part of their northwide tour to voice their concerns over what they perceive as the unjust treatment of the former governor.
Their primary objective according to them is “to seek urgent intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the ongoing saga between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC,” while also expressing gratitude and admiration for Bar Jesutega Onokpasa’s vocal stance against perceived injustices within the political sphere.
The coalition commenced their activities with a World Press Conference held at the NUJ Press Center in Sokoto, where they issued an open letter addressed to President Tinubu, outlining their grievances and urging swift action to resolve the impasse between Bello and the EFCC. Following the conference, representatives of the groups paid a visit to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, seeking his intervention as a revered figure capable of fostering peaceful resolutions.
Furthermore, copies of the open letter were delivered to the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, with a plea for his support in conveying their message to President Tinubu. The groups emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing what they perceive as political persecution and urged stakeholders to uphold democratic principles.
During the press conference, Mall Shamsudeen Abubakar Sokoto, the spokesperson for the coalition, commended Bar Jesutega Onokpasa for his recent statements criticizing certain elements within the political landscape who allegedly undermine the contributions of stalwarts like Alhaji Yahaya Bello and former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai. Onokpasa’s vocal condemnation of what he sees as undue political persecution resonated with the coalition, reflecting a broader sentiment within the Northern youth groups.
The coalition’s actions underscored the power of grassroots movements in advocating for justice and democratic values. Their call for President Tinubu’s intervention and the commendation of individuals like Bar Jesutega Onokpasa reflect a concerted effort to uphold fairness and transparency within Nigeria’s political sphere.
As the coalition plans to continue their solidarity walks in other Northern states, their message reverberates across the nation, drawing attention to the need for ethical governance and the protection of individuals’ rights within the Nigerian political landscape.