..say protests not enough to make change
The Young Progressives Party, YYP, on Thursday in Ilorin called on Kwara residents to get their permanent voter cards to change the current administration which had promised Nigerians change, in the forthcoming general elections.
The Kwara State Chairman of the Young progressive Party, Mr Charles Afolayan disclosed this during a peaceful rally organised by the party in commemoration of the first year anniversary of the #EndSARS protesters.
He said the rally was meant to sensitise the residents the importance of obtaining their PVCs.
“You would recall that a year ago, Nigerian youth across the country spoke out loud and clear with one “SoroSoke” voice, against police brutality and bad governance. We expressed our anger and frustration, and demanded for a reset.
“Armed only with internet connectivity, social media skills, unity, collective purpose, and a burning passion for a better Nigeria, youth shutdown the nation and forced the Nigerian Government to promise the immediate disbandment of the notorious SARS unit and pledge reforms for officers of the Nigerian Police Force.
“Sadly, the response from the Government was initially mute, but was finally loudly violent. We can never forget that many young Nigerians were injured, and lost their lives in the course of fighting for a better society”.
Let us make sure that the sacrifice of these fallen heroes was not in vain. We must see the EndSARS protest as proof of our power and capacity to rebirth Nigeria.
He said “It is based on our understanding of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that the only way to bring about change in a democratic setting is to participate in the political process, and governance structure.
“Let us stop recycling leaders who are leading us nowhere – who are either too old, too sick or too weak (morally). Let us work together in YPP to usher in credible leaders with new ideas, innovation, energy, and intellectual capacity. Leaders that would galvanize the productive skills of the youth to generate solutions.
Charles also noted that the PVC serves multiple purposes for holders and should be seen as a multifunctional card.
“Let us be patriotic enough to obtain our Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and be ready to vote. Remember, there is no polling unit on the social media or on the street. If there is any justice in the world, our votes will be counted.”
